SHILLONG — Meghalaya moves closer to small-scale coal mining revival as Centre inspects mining areasMeghalaya’s push to restart small-scale coal mining has entered another technical assessment stage, with a team from the Union Ministry of Coal inspecting coal-bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Hills to examine whether mining can resume under scientific, safety and environmental regulations.
The inspection, conducted last week, involved officials from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), accompanied by officers of the state Directorate of Mineral Resources. The team examined existing mining methods and the feasibility of operations suited to Meghalaya’s geology and landholding pattern.
The exercise follows discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre on ways to reopen a sector that has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal’s ban. The state government is seeking a framework that addresses the livelihoods of coal-dependent families while meeting legal and environmental requirements.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had raised the issue during a meeting with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7, 2026. The state says the effort is aimed at finding a workable route to restart mining without compromising safety or environmental safeguards.
After the field inspection, the technical team met senior state government officials to discuss the challenges facing local miners, scientific mining requirements and the next steps in the process.
“Our government is committed to exploring viable options to restart coal mining in Meghalaya, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility,” Sangma said, adding that cooperation with the Centre and local miners would be needed to develop a framework for safe and scientific operations.
The inspection does not amount to approval for mining to resume. Further assessments and follow-up meetings are expected in the coming weeks, with the Directorate of Mineral Resources continuing to coordinate with the Centre and relevant departments.
For coal-dependent communities, the next stage will be crucial. The government has signalled its intention to revive small-scale mining, but a reopening will depend on whether a legally compliant and technically viable model can be established.
The exercise follows discussions between the Meghalaya government and the Centre on ways to reopen a sector that has remained suspended since the National Green Tribunal’s ban. The state government is seeking a framework that addresses the livelihoods of coal-dependent families while meeting legal and environmental requirements.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had raised the issue during a meeting with Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7, 2026. The state says the effort is aimed at finding a workable route to restart mining without compromising
