Guwahati: Meghalaya will place a proposal before the Centre seeking changes to the existing policy governing scientific coal mining, with the state aiming to make the framework more workable for small-scale miners.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Tuesday that the proposals will be discussed during separate meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
He said local miners have repeatedly pointed out that the current scientific mining model, which is based on large-scale open-cast operations, is unsuitable for Meghalaya because of its narrow coal seams and fragmented landholdings.
To address these concerns, miners have sought revisions to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the related guidelines so that scientific mining can be carried out on a smaller scale in line with the state’s geological conditions.
Sangma said coal extraction has already resumed through approved scientific mining after the Centre lifted the mining ban and granted the required clearances. However, he said the investment needed under the existing framework is beyond the reach of many local miners.
He added that the government has reviewed alternative mining methods suggested by stakeholders and intends to present those options to the two Union ministers.
According to the Chief Minister, resolving the issue will require the Centre’s support, as any long-term solution could involve changes to central legislation or other regulatory provisions governing coal mining.
He said the state government remains committed to protecting the livelihoods of people dependent on the sector while ensuring that mining activities continue within the legal framework.
Sangma also said additional policy reforms are needed despite scientific mining already being operational in approved mines, as wider participation by small miners will only be possible if the existing rules are made more practical and financially viable.