Shillong, Oct 11: In a move to pave way for reviving small-scale coal mining in Meghalaya, a technical team of the Ministry of Coal and Mines along with officials of the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) visited and inspected coal bearing areas in East Jaiñtia Hills and West Khasi Hills last week. The team was accompanied by officers of the Directorate of Mineral Resources, Government of Meghalaya.
The visit is a follow up to the ongoing discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Government of India to find ways and means to operationalise small-scale coal mining in the State, which has remained pending since the coal mining ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
During the inspection, the team examined the mining methods practised in these areas and assessed the feasibility of resuming small-scale mining operations in a safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable manner, consistent with the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The team subsequently held a meeting with senior officers of the Meghalaya government. The discussion covered the challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for scientific mining suited to the geology and land holding pattern of the State, along with the next steps required to take the process forward.
Further assessments and follow up meetings are expected in the coming weeks.
It may be mentioned that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had met Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, on July 7, 2026 and taken up the concerns of coal dependent families in the State.
During the meeting, Sangma underlined the need to revive small-scale coal mining in Meghalaya as the sector supports the livelihood of large number of families. He also said that reviving small-scale coal mining should be undertaken by complying with environmental and safety regulations.
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