Coal and Mining Sector

Several workers stuck in a coal mine in Assam

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Illegal mining;

Why in the News?

Recently nine workers were trapped in an illegal coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.

What is Rat Hole Mining?

  • Rat hole mining is a form of illegal mining prevalent in northeastern India, particularly in Assam. It involves creating small tunnels or “rat holes” to extract coal, typically done by hand without proper safety measures or regulations.
  • This method is dangerous due to its unregulated nature, leading to frequent accidents, including flooding and collapses.
  • The mines are often poorly ventilated and can be highly unstable.

What are the Current Laws and Regulations Related to Mining in India?

  • Constitutional Provisions: Mining and minerals are listed under both the Union List and State List in Schedule VII of the Constitution, granting regulatory powers to both the Central and State governments.
  • Key Legislations: Major laws governing mining include the MMDR Act, 1957 for regulation and development, the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 for coal management, the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for environmental clearances, and the Mines Act, 1952 for miners’ safety and welfare.
  • Regulatory Bodies: The Ministry of Coal formulates coal policies, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) enforces safety standards, and State Mining Departments manage state-level operations.
  • Supreme Court Directives: The Supreme Court banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014, emphasizing the need for environmental clearances and the adoption of scientific and sustainable mining practices.

What are the present Issues with Rat-Hole Mining?

  • Safety Concerns: The lack of safety measures in rat hole mining poses significant risks to miners. Accidents are common, as evidenced by the recent tragedy in Assam where miners were trapped due to flooding caused by inadequate infrastructure.
  • Environmental Impact: Rat hole mining contributes to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation and soil erosion. The unregulated extraction of minerals disrupts local ecosystems.
  • Regulatory Failures: There are systemic failures in enforcing mining laws. Opposition parties have criticized the government for allowing illegal mining activities to flourish, suggesting collusion between officials and miners. This has raised questions about accountability and governance in the region.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Enforcement and Regulation: Ensure strict implementation of existing mining laws to conduct regular inspections, and establish accountability for illegal mining activities through penalties and prosecution of violators.
  • Promote Sustainable Livelihoods: Develop alternative livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on rat-hole mining, along with awareness campaigns on environmental and safety concerns, to reduce reliance on illegal mining practices.

Mains PYQ:

Q Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC IAS/2019)

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