Jharkhand Revives Closed Coal Mines for New Opportunities

Ranchi, September 3: The government of Jharkhand is planning to repurpose closed coal mines instead of leaving them abandoned. The state has selected the Giridih Open Cast Project (OCP) and the Karma OCP in Ramgarh district as pilot projects. A proposal will be sent to the central government for approval regarding the reuse of these mines.

Under this initiative, the land, water, environment, and infrastructure of the closed mines will be repurposed. A comprehensive ‘Mine Closure and Repurposing Plan’ will be developed for both mines. This plan will explore how the land and surrounding resources can create new employment and income opportunities for local communities. This initiative is part of the ‘Technical Cooperation on Two-Bed Coal Mines’ project, supported by the central Ministry of Coal and the German organization GIZ.

A high-level meeting in Ranchi included officials from the Department of Mines and Geology, GIZ, the Coal Controller Organization, CCL, and CMPDI. The plan proposes using the land of closed mines for renewable energy projects like solar energy, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries. Additionally, the potential for establishing skill development centers and other economic activities will also be explored.

Eight villages surrounding the Karma OCP, including Sugia, Marar, Bongabar, Karma, Kaitha, Kander, Lodhma, and Panki, are specifically included in this plan. Studies are being conducted on the social and economic conditions of these villages, focusing on vulnerable groups and existing employment opportunities. A detailed DPR will also be prepared under the project, covering land use, environmental restoration, water management, and the repurposing of existing infrastructure. New energy projects and investment opportunities will be explored as needed.

The state government believes that even after the depletion of coal, the mining sector can remain economically viable. The model developed from this pilot project could be applied to other closed coal mines in Jharkhand and across the country. The TCCM project will run until March 2030, during which a practical model for the repurposing of closed coal mines will be established based on the experiences gained.