Neyveli: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated India’s first national workshop on structured mine closure planning and land repurposing at Neyveli in Tamil Nadu.
The two-day mine closure workshop took place on February 23 and 24 under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal and NLC India Limited. Senior officials, policymakers and industry representatives attended the event to discuss sustainable post-mining transitions.
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Additional Secretaries Rupinder Brar and Sanoj Kumar Jha, and Coal Controller Sajeesh Kumar N also participated. The workshop brought together 147 nodal officers from mines identified for closure along with representatives from public sector companies, private mining firms and regulatory bodies.
More than 500 participants attended the event. Officials said the initiative aimed to transform mine closure from a regulatory requirement into a driver of regional regeneration.
Nine thematic sessions featured 29 speakers from government, research institutions, development organisations and international agencies. Experts shared practical insights on planning sustainable and community-oriented closure strategies.
Mine closure workshop explores post-mining land repurposing models
Discussions examined several pathways for repurposing mined land. These included regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, aquaculture in mine voids and renewable energy projects.
Participants also explored tourism development, cultural enterprises and skill development centres for mining communities. Speakers emphasised the importance of livelihood generation and community participation in post-mining development.
Addressing the gathering, Kishan Reddy said mine closure should mark the beginning of new economic opportunities. He stressed the need for scientific reclamation, environmental restoration and effective use of mine closure funds.
Participants visited reclaimed and de-coaled areas of NLC India Limited during the workshop. These areas have been converted into eco-tourism destinations with boating facilities, water bodies and bird habitats.
Officials noted that 25 mines in India have already been closed using scientific methods. The Ministry of Coal is also implementing initiatives such as allocating 25 percent of escrow funds for community development.
To strengthen community participation, the ministry introduced the RECLAIM Framework and the LIVES Framework for sustainable land repurposing. In addition, the SUVIKALP online tool helps project proponents identify suitable post-mining projects.
Building on the discussions, the Coal Controller Organisation plans to conduct a series of national webinars. These sessions will focus on livelihood diversification, renewable energy integration and tourism-based development in former mining areas.
