Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite blocks 2024

Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite blocks 2024

Ministry of Coal released Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite blocks 2024.

  • These guidelines aim to foster a more sustainable and ethical approach to coal mining.
  • Primary objective – To optimize coal resource extraction through sustainable practices that minimize waste and enhance operational efficiency.
  • All coal/lignite blocks shall have a mining plan approved by competent authority.
  • Calendar plan flexibility to allow increased annual coal production.
  • Preference for blast-free and continuous coal-cutting technologies in mining methods.
  • Implementation of Safety Management Plans as per Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 including mandatory safety audits.
  • Integration of fly ash filling protocols into mining plans.
  • Mandatory preparation of Mine Closure Plans for abandoned or discontinued mines post-2009.
  • Has been delegated with power of processing, scrutiny and approval of mining plan.
  • HQ – New Delhi  
  • Ministry – Ministry of Coal
  • Functions –
    • Major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India
    • Monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
    • Hears any objection to Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
  • Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India.
  • It accounts for 55% of the country’s energy need.
  • India – 5th largest coal reserves globally; 2nd largest consumer of coal.
  • Major coal producing states – Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra & West Bengal.
  • Ministry of Coal launched commercial coal mining in 2020.

Source: PIB


Previous Year Question

What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India?

  1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts
  2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
  3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)
Explanation:

It does not promote mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts. It does not authorize states to issue a licence for mineral exploration.


Practice Question

Consider the following statements:

  1. Coal Controller Organization delegated with power of processing, scrutiny and approval of mining plan comes under the Ministry of Mines.
  2. India has fifth-largest coal reserves globally and is second-largest consumer of coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

 
 
 
 

Question 1 of 1

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