Shillong, October 11: Meghalaya has moved a step closer towards reviving small-scale coal mining, with a technical team from the Union Ministry of Coal inspecting coal-bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills to assess the feasibility of resuming mining operations.
The team, which included officials from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), was accompanied by officers of the Meghalaya Directorate of Mineral Resources during its visit last week.
The inspection followed ongoing discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre on ways to operationalise small-scale coal mining in the state, which has remained suspended since the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had met Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7, 2026, and raised concerns relating to families dependent on coal mining for their livelihoods.
According to the state government, the effort is aimed at reviving the sector while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
During the inspection, the technical team studied the mining methods practised in the areas and assessed whether operations could be resumed in a safe, scientific and environmentally sustainable manner within the applicable legal and regulatory framework.
The team later held discussions with senior state government officials on challenges faced by local miners, as well as the technical, safety and environmental requirements for scientific mining suited to Meghalaya’s geology and landholding pattern.
Sangma said the government remains committed to exploring viable options for restarting coal mining while balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
“By working together with the Ministry of Coal and local miners, we can develop a framework that ensures sustainable, safe and scientific mining operations,” the Chief Minister said.
The state government thanked the Ministry of Coal, CMPDIL and DGMS for their technical support and cooperation.
Further assessments and follow-up meetings are expected in the coming weeks, while the Directorate of Mineral Resources will continue coordinating with the Union Ministry and other concerned departments to take the process forward.
