The central government has signed agreements with three local miners to start scientific coal mining in West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya.
- About Rat-Hole Mining:
- It’s an illegal and dangerous coal extraction method involving narrow tunnels less than two meters high.
- Techniques include Side-Cutting (narrow tunnels into hill slopes) and Box-Cutting (rectangular openings followed by vertical pits).
- It’s driven by poverty, unclear land ownership, and high coal demand.
- Future Plans: In addition to the three approved sites, 12 more mining applications are being processed. The Meghalaya government is working with the Ministry of Coal to restart legal mining.
- Impact of Ban: Before the 2014 ban, coal mining generated ₹700 crore annually for Meghalaya. The ban was due to safety concerns, as rat-hole mining led to many worker deaths.
- Katakey Committee: Appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, this committee, led by Brojendra Prasad Katakey, recommends sustainable and legal mining practices.