New Delhi |: Reinforcing Coal India Limited’s (CIL) commitment to sustainable mining, scientific mine closure, and environmental restoration, Chairman B. Sairam participated in a high-level roundtable discussion on the theme “Beyond Mine Closure: Creating Opportunities for Tomorrow.” The discussion was held on the sidelines of AAROH: Annual Report on Scientific Mine Closure in New Delhi and brought together leading experts and senior executives from India’s mining and energy sectors.
Opening his address with a powerful message, B. Sairam remarked:
“A coal mine has two lives. In the first, it gives coal; in the second, it creates opportunities.”
The statement underscored Coal India’s vision of transforming exhausted mining areas into productive assets that continue to generate economic, environmental, and social value long after mining operations have ceased.
Coal India’s Vision for Sustainable Mine Closure
During the discussion, B. Sairam emphasized that scientific mine closure is no longer just the end of mining activities but the beginning of new opportunities for communities, biodiversity, and sustainable development. He highlighted Coal India’s long-term strategy to restore mined-out areas through planned reclamation, ecological rehabilitation, and productive land use.
He informed the gathering that Coal India has successfully completed the scientific closure of 41 mines across its operational areas. Building on this achievement, the company has set an ambitious target of reclaiming and scientifically closing 91 additional mines by the financial year 2027–28.
According to the Chairman, these initiatives reflect Coal India’s commitment to responsible mining practices, environmental conservation, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
Industry Leaders Discuss the Future Beyond Mining
The roundtable featured several distinguished leaders from India’s mining sector, who shared their perspectives on mine closure, land reclamation, environmental sustainability, and post-mining economic development.
The eminent panel included:
- K. Venkateswarlu, Director (Planning & Projects), SCCL
- Suresh Chandra Suman, Director (Technical), NLCIL
- N. K. Gupta, General Manager (Mining), Tata Steel
The discussion focused on adopting scientific, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive approaches to mine closure while ensuring that reclaimed mining areas continue to contribute to economic growth and community welfare.
Senior Officials Attend the Event
The event was also attended by Coal India Director (Technical) Shri Achyut Ghatak, Chairmen-cum-Managing Directors (CMDs) of Coal India’s subsidiary companies, and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO).
Their participation highlighted the collaborative efforts of the government and the mining industry in promoting best practices in mine reclamation, sustainable resource management, and long-term environmental stewardship.
Commitment to a Greener Mining Future
Coal India’s participation in the AAROH roundtable reaffirmed the company’s commitment to balancing energy security with environmental responsibility. By adopting scientific mine closure techniques, restoring degraded landscapes, and creating new opportunities for local communities, the company aims to ensure that every mine continues to serve society even after coal extraction ends.
With its ambitious reclamation targets and focus on sustainability, Coal India Limited is positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining, demonstrating that mine closure is not the end of a mine’s journey but the beginning of a new chapter of ecological restoration, community development, and sustainable growth.
