Proposal for granting state-level licence to small miners
Shillong, June 23: The state government will take up with the Centre a proposal to reduce required minimum area for mining lease and grant state-level licences to small miners, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Tuesday.
The government move is aimed at addressing the long-standing demands from coal traders and stakeholders.
Terming “fruitful” a meeting with coal traders’ association and a coordination committee representing Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills on Monday, Dhar said, “We listened to their suggestions and ideas, and we also accepted their presentation.”
The minister said the stakeholders argued that the current “scientific mining” framework is not feasible in Meghalaya because it requires large tracts of land.
“We are ready to approach the Government of India and request them to reduce the size of mining areas, so that our local miners can mine accordingly,” Dhar said.
The deputy CM said the state will press the Centre for exemptions for small-scale miners.
“We will request the Government of India to also give us permission at the state level for small miners, if possible,” Dhar stated.
He defined “small miners” as those operating on 5-6 hectares and said the state would act if the Centre permits.
“By ‘small miners’ I mean 5-6 hectares. If the Government of India exempts and allows us to give licences from the state level, we will work accordingly,” he said.
Dhar pointed out that the existing scientific mining norms are based on opencast methods, which he said “is not possible at all” in Meghalaya, while rat-hole mining involves “so many systems” to comply with.
The government is examining models from other states, including Goa’s ore mining regime, to develop a state-specific framework.
“As of now, some states, like Goa for ore mining, have been allowed. We have to see from the law under which section they have been allowed. That is yet to be found out,” he said.
The state has already sought an appointment with the Union Coal Ministry.
“Yesterday, after the meeting was over, the Chief Minister called the Coal Ministry to know when we can get an appointment,” Dhar said.
Highlighting the impact of the National Green Tribunal’s 2014 ban on coal mining, he added, “It is really affecting. The coal ban has affected people tremendously. We saw that with our own eyes. People have really suffered. That is why we will take this up with the Government of India.”
The Supreme Court allowed scientific mining in Meghalaya in 2019, but stakeholders continue to seek relaxations tailored to the state’s hilly terrain and small landholdings.
