The Consultative Committee Meetings of Hon’ble Members of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines were held today under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy. The meeting was co-chaired by Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey.

The agenda for the Ministry of Coal focused on “Beyond Extraction: Mine Closure and Repurposing”, while the Ministry of Mines discussed “Mineral Exploration”.

Senior officials from both ministries made detailed presentations highlighting key policy initiatives, current progress, and future plans. The Ministry of Coal showcased various environmental restoration and repurposing initiatives aimed at promoting tourism, supporting local industries, and generating economic opportunities for affected communities. The Ministry of Mines shared its ambitious vision for expanding mineral exploration across the country, with presentations from premier exploration agencies, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL).

Addressing the committee, Hon’ble Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized that India’s coal sector is at a pivotal juncture, achieving record-breaking domestic coal production of over 1 billion tonnes, while simultaneously driving green initiatives and sustainability. He underscored mine closure as a national and moral responsibility, aimed at restoring ecosystems and creating livelihood opportunities.

He informed the members that for the first time since Independence, 10 mines have been successfully closed in the past year, with 147 more identified for expedited closure as part of the Ministry’s fast-tracked approach.

On the issue of mineral exploration, Shri Reddy highlighted that Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in minerals, particularly critical and strategic minerals, will be fundamental to realising the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He stated that mineral exploration is being taken up in mission mode, employing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and modern geophysical surveys. He also stressed the crucial role of the private sector in accelerating exploration efforts and ensuring mineral security for the country’s renewable energy goals.

Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable mining and inclusive development. He spoke on the vision to accelerating mine closure and mineral exploration and emphasised that community participation and inter-ministerial coordination will be key to achieving long-term success.

Committee members appreciated the ministries’ proactive efforts and provided suggestions for maximizing the social and economic impact of mine closure projects and enhancing exploration activities in their respective regions.

Coal India Ltd., The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) joined hands with Heartfulness today by signing two MoUs respectively on the RECLAIM initiative announced by the Ministry of Coal and Mines (Govt. of India) in association with Heartfulness this week. Shri G. Kishan Reddy - Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Govt. Of India graced the MoU signing event at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad today. The Union Minister was joined by Shri Satish Chandra Dubey - Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Govt. Of India, Senior Management and Representatives of Coal India Ltd., SCCL and Heartfulness in the presence of Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The purpose of the MoU is to foster restoration, bringing a green cover and develop an ecosystem at the mine closure sites through Heartfulness Institute resources in alignment with the RECLAIM initiative.

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