Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority M. Nagaraju said the new guidelines emphasize responsible mining practices that support the growth of the industry while prioritizing ecosystem preservation.

Key elements include the mandatory inclusion of restoration, remediation and regeneration measures in mining plans to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. These measures are intended to minimize environmental impacts, address community concerns, and promote continuous improvement in water quality monitoring.

In his speech, M. Nagaraju emphasized the importance of balancing flexibility for coal mine owners with greater responsibility and accountability. The revised Mining Plan Guidelines aim to introduce strict measures designed to optimize coal extraction while ensuring comprehensive applicability for all stakeholders.

Advisor (Project), Ministry of Coal gave a detailed presentation on the draft guidelines that aim to raise standards of accountability and optimize extraction techniques.

The ministry seeks to align the interests of all parties, promoting sustainable development within the sector.

The stakeholder consultation provided a platform for in-depth discussions and feedback from industry leaders and experts, laying the foundation for a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses contemporary challenges and aligns with global best practices in mining governance.

The event was attended by 25 coal and lignite mining companies including PSUs, captive/commercial miners and representatives of the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh.

The ministry is committed to advancing these initiatives in close collaboration with stakeholders. The upcoming Mining Plan Guidelines will maintain the highest standards of environmental management, operational efficiency and ethical mining practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the sector, according to a statement from the Ministry of Coal.