Alternative to ‘unfeasible’ open cast mining in Meghalaya
Shillong, July 8: The state government has proposed tech-enabled tunnel mining as an alternative to open cast mining to the Union government, citing financial and practical difficulties for local miners.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said he had conveyed to Union Mining Minister G Kishan Reddy during a recent meeting that Meghalaya wants to continue tunnel mining but with modern safety measures.
“What we are discussing is that if the tunnel mining can be allowed in a manner in which modern technology like 3D mapping of areas, which are of risk… certain spaces where miners can safely enter, and measures where the mines can be protected and made stable with infrastructure being created,” he said.
He added that affordable machines and technology used in other countries could be adopted here.
“If those technologies can be brought in… and ensure that the risks are neutralised, that is what we are proposing,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister said open cast mining is not viable in the state.
“The feasibility of open cast mining in terms of financial feasibility is not something that is working out for our miners… Even today as we speak, we have more than 22,000 mines in different parts of the state, and it is very difficult for us if we don’t have a system,” he said.
On regulatory hurdles, Sangma said the 100-acre norm under the MMDR Act is not feasible for small miners. The Union Minister has agreed to review it.
“He agreed that, yes, 100 acres is not something which is feasible for our local miners and hence, we must review it again,” he said.
The Minister has asked Coal Ministry officials and Meghalaya government officials to meet in the next 10 days to finalise a proposal.
“Secretary, Coal, and Additional Secretary and officials from the Meghalaya government must sit… and thrash out the issues,” Sangma said.
The state has also requested delegation of approval powers under Section 26 of the MMDR Act.
“We have requested that Section 5(1), which allows the different paperwork and mining plans to be approved… may be given to the state government using the Section 26 power,” he said.
“If that kind of a combination can work out, it could be a win-win solution that would suit the needs of our local miners, as well as the concerns of the Government of India,” Sangma added.
