Shillong, Oct 15: Meghalaya is seeking to reduce the minimum area required for scientific coal mining from 100 hectares to 5-10 hectares to enable small coal mine owners to extract the mineral.
This was stated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma during a function marking the tenth anniversary of the District Mineral Foundation held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong today.
Sangma said that mining remains one of Meghalaya’s largest employment generators and continues to support the livelihood of thousands of families.
“Sustained engagements with the Government of India, including discussions with the Union Coal Minister, have resulted in positive developments towards reconsidering the minimum area requirements for coal mining in order to enable small miners to participate in scientific mining activities,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that mining regulations and technological solutions must be adapted to local conditions without compromising the safety of miners or environmental safeguards.
Sangma also informed that the State government is similarly examining mechanisms to address regulatory challenges faced by small-scale miners engaged in the extraction of stone, boulders, sand and other minerals.
Over the last decade, the District Mineral Forum has mobilised Rs 181 crore in Meghalaya, with 923 projects sanctioned across the State, of which 542 have been completed.
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The funds have been used for a wide range of developmental works including construction of classrooms, improvement of healthcare facilities, drinking water supply projects, footbridges connecting remote villages, and environmental restoration activities such as construction of water conservation dams and tree plantation in quarry areas in the State.
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