Govt has allocated ₹40,000 crore for scientific mine closures, says Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy
Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced a ₹40,000 crore allocation for the scientific closure of exhausted coal mines in India. The government plans to close 147 mines over the next few years, focusing on environmental restoration and creating new economic opportunities.
Why it matters
This policy represents a shift in India's mining strategy, prioritizing environmental sustainability and land repurposing as part of a 'just transition'.
Scientific mine closure is a national priority, and the government has allocated approximately ₹40,000 crore for scientifically closing completely-extracted coal mines, stated G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines Wednesday.
Speaking at the signing of the implementation agreement with Germany’s GIZ for cooperation in the realm of mine closure, he stated, “For mine closure, we have dedicated funds worth $5 billion, or approximately ₹40,000 crore from the ministry.”
The Coal Ministry has scientifically closed 42 mines, including 33 in the last financial year itself.
It has set itself a target of scientifically closing another 147 mines in the next two to three years.
Mr. Reddy emphasised it to be a “national and [his] ministry’s priority”.
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