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January 31, 2025
Introduction:
The central government has signed agreements with three local miners to commence scientific coal mining in two districts (West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts). This decision comes after a decade-long ban on unscientific “rat-hole mining” imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
About Rat-Hole Mining
- Rat-hole mining is an illegal method of coal extraction resembling rodent burrows.
- It is prevalent in Meghalaya and involves creating narrow tunnels that are often less than two metres high.
- Miners descend into these cramped spaces using ropes and bamboo ladders.
- The process is dangerous due to the risk of tunnel collapses and poor ventilation.
- There are two primary techniques used in rat-hole mining
- Side-Cutting Procedure: Miners dig narrow tunnels into hill slopes to access thin coal seams.
- Box-Cutting: This method involves creating a rectangular opening followed by a vertical pit, leading to horizontal tunnels for coal extraction.
Causes of Rat-Hole Mining
Several factors contribute to the persistence of rat-hole mining:
- Poverty: Local tribal communities often resort to this method as a means of survival due to limited livelihood options.
- Land Ownership Issues: Ambiguous land titles complicate the establishment of regulated mines, allowing illegal operations to flourish.
- Coal Demand: Continuous demand for coal, both legal and illegal, drives the rat-hole mining practice.
Escrow Agreements for Mining
- Escrow Agreement: A legal contract where a third party holds assets until specific conditions are met.
- Escrow agreements were signed between the Controller of Coal (Govt. of India) and the mining project proponents.
- Coal India Limited is the third party in these agreements.
Future Expansion of Scientific Mining
- Apart from the three approved mining sites, 12 more applications are in advanced approval stages.
- The Meghalaya government is working closely with the Ministry of Coal to restart coal mining legally.
Impact of Coal Mining Ban
- Before the ban in 2014, the coal mining industry was a major revenue source for Meghalaya, generating ₹700 crore annually.
- The ban was imposed due to safety risks, as rat-hole mining involved digging narrow tunnels, leading to several worker deaths over the years.
Katakey Committee’s Role
- The Meghalaya High Court appointed a one-man committee led by former judge Brojendra Prasad Katakey to ensure compliance with the NGT and Supreme Court’s rulings.
- The committee has made several recommendations regarding sustainable and legal coal mining.