New Delhi: In a significant achievement for sustainable mining practices, the Ministry of Coal announced the issuance of final mine closure certificates for the Pathakhera Area of M/s Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). This landmark decision represents a major advancement in environmental rehabilitation efforts within the coal mining sector.
The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by key officials, including G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines; Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines; Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal; Sajeesh Kumar N, Coal Controller; and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, the Coal Controller Organisation, and CMDs of Coal and Lignite PSUs.
Closure Certificates for Three Mines
The final mine closure certificates were issued in recognition of the successful completion of protective, reclamation, and rehabilitation works in accordance with the final mine closure provisions outlined in the approved mining plans. The Coal Controller Organisation, a subordinate office of the Ministry of Coal, served as the issuing authority.
The mines receiving closure certificates include:
- Pathakhera Mine No-II UG: Opened in January 1970 under NCDC ownership in Betul District, this mine has been closed due to the exhaustion of coal reserves.
- Pathakhera Mine No-I UG: Established on May 16, 1963, in Betul District, Madhya Pradesh, this mine has been closed following the depletion of extractable reserves across all three coal seams.
- Satpura II UG Mine: Opened in June 1973 in Betul District, this mine has been closed due to the depletion of coal resources within the approved project limits.
The certificates were received by JP Dwivedi, CMD of WCL; Deepak Rewatkar, GM (Safety) of WCL; and LK Mohapatra, Area General Manager of the Patharkheda Area of WCL.
A Commitment to Responsible Mining
The issuance of these closure certificates highlights the coal sector’s joint dedication to responsible and environmentally friendly mining practices. By revitalizing landscapes and generating employment opportunities, the Ministry of Coal is taking significant steps towards sustainable development in the industry.
This milestone is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in Indian coal mining history that final mine closure certificates have been granted. It underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing environmental accountability in coal mining operations and sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at sustainable resource management.
