Meghalaya Government Grants Final Approval for Coal Mining Operations

The Chief Minister highlighted the immense challenges faced in securing these approvals

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today announced that the final approval for coal mining in Meghalaya has been granted, allowing three designated miners to commence operations at their discretion. With all necessary clearances in place, these miners are free to begin mining immediately or at a time of their choosing.

Addressing concerns over whether the announcement was politically motivated, the Chief Minister clarified that it was a response to public inquiries regarding the status of coal mining in the state. He reiterated that after extensive legal and administrative efforts, all permissions have now been secured, enabling the approved miners to begin operations whenever they see fit.

The Chief Minister highlighted the immense challenges faced in securing these approvals. He acknowledged that previous governments struggled to determine a way forward, given the complexities involved. However, his administration took a decisive approach, pursuing legal battles, including in the Supreme Court, to lift the mining ban. Following this, special provisions were created in coordination with the Coal Ministry to allow local mine owners to resume operations.

A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed exclusively for Meghalaya, requiring approvals from multiple central ministries, state government departments, and regulatory agencies—estimated to be around 20 to 30 in total. Since this was an unprecedented process, each stage presented new hurdles, delays, and the need for clarifications.

The CM said now that all approvals have been secured, the miners who have received clearance can proceed with extraction, following their approved mining plans. These plans, vetted by central agencies and the Coal Ministry, outline specific technologies and methodologies to be used in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

With the final green light from the government, Sangma said the responsibility now lies with the three approved miners to initiate operations at their convenience, marking a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s coal mining sector.

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