Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy urged for a greener and safer approach in India’s mining sector. He highlighted the government’s dedication to responsible mining during his speech at the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress‘s International Conference on sustainable mining practices, which ended on Friday.
The event, organized by the Union Ministry of Coal and Mines, gathered policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders from both India and abroad. They discussed sustainable solutions for mine closures and shared global best practices.
Many prominent Indian mining and industrial organizations participated, including Coal India, NLC India, SCCL, MCL, NCL, SECL, Hindalco, NMDC, NTPC Mining, Tata Steel, Reliance Industries, and others.
Kishan Reddy, overseeing Coal and Mines, encouraged mineral industries to increase production while ensuring environmentally responsible operations. He emphasized the need for adequate production of coal, aluminum, copper, and other minerals to meet national demands and promote self-reliance. He stressed adopting mining practices that protect the environment and benefit local communities, mentioning the importance of strict regulations.
He advocated for a balance between nature and community benefits throughout mining operations, from establishment to closure. Some mines in Tamil Nadu serve as national examples, providing water, irrigation, and jobs. Reddy encouraged other industries to adopt similar best practices.
The conference promoted policies in the mining industry that support community development and eco-friendly practices. It also welcomed global insights and suggestions.
Notable attendees included Minister of State for Coal Satish Chandra Dubey, Additional Secretary Rupendra Brar, and industry leaders from various sectors and countries.
Kishan Reddy announced new initiatives, such as the Mission Green Booklet, Vision Documents on Copper and Aluminium, the RECLAIM Framework, and more. These represent significant progress in sustainability and innovation.
About 300 representatives from eight countries, including public sector and international mining organizations, attended the conference.
Speaking to the media, Reddy warned of the consequences of neglecting mine closures, like environmental issues and increased accidents. He stressed the importance of transforming mined lands for community benefit, recommending activities like fisheries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that post-mining lands serve community needs. The government has successfully closed 143 mining projects and plans to continue mine closure activities for all sites.
An action plan is in place to complete these initiatives within three years, focusing on environmental protection and safety. Efforts are underway to ensure nature-friendly development through these closures.
