ENA Sectors 2026-03-06 17:46:25 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Mar 6 (KNN) </strong>Mine closure should not be perceived as the end of mining activity but rather as the beginning of renewed socio-economic opportunities for communities in mining regions, said Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy in his address at National Workshop on Mine Closure &amp; Repurposing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Minister also highlighted the need for scientific reclamation, environmental restoration, effective utilisation of mine closure funds and the creation of sustainable livelihood options in mining-affected areas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Indias first national-level workshop focused exclusively on mine closure planning and sustainable post-mining land use was held in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The two-day event was organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal and NLC India Limited, marking a significant step toward integrating environmental restoration with long-term socio-economic development in mining regions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The workshop featured nine thematic sessions with 29 speakers from government, industry, research institutions and development organisations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Discussions covered a wide range of strategies for repurposing mined-out land, including regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, livestock-based livelihoods, aquaculture in mine voids, renewable energy projects, tourism initiatives and skill development centres.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Experts also emphasised the importance of community participation and diversified livelihood opportunities in ensuring sustainable development in former mining regions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Noting that as many as 25 mines have been closed scientifically, an official release said that Ministry of Coal has introduced several initiatives to support this process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"> To facilitate its effective on-ground implementation, the Ministry has already released the RECLAIM Framework (Reach Out, Envision, Co-create, Localize, Act, Integrate, and Maintain), a comprehensive guide to facilitate active community engagement in mining-affected regions, it said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span><br /> </p> 45374 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/mine-closure-not-the-end-but-beginning-of-new-opportunities-minister 2026-03-06 17:46:25 knnindia.co.in