World Mining Congress

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, today inaugurated the Indian National Committee meeting of the World Mining Congress (WMC) in Hyderabad, emphasizing a new philosophy for mine closure. The Minister asserted that “mine closure is not the end”, but rather an opportunity for revival and sustainable development.

Key Announcements and Initiatives:

• ‘6Rs’ Philosophy for Mine Closure: The Minister announced the adoption of a comprehensive ‘6Rs’ philosophy for mine closure:
  • Reclamation: Restoring the land to its former or a new productive state.
  • Repurposing: Finding new uses for the closed mine sites.
  • Rehabilitation: Bringing the site back to a stable and non-polluting condition.
  • Revegetation: Re-establishing plant cover on disturbed land.
  • Remediation: Cleaning up contaminated sites.
  • Relinquishment: Transferring responsibility for the site back to appropriate authorities or the community after successful closure.
• Scientific Mine Closures: For the first time since Independence, 10 mines have been successfully closed through scientific planning. Additionally, 147 more mines have been identified for prompt closure.
• Revised Guidelines: The Ministry has revised existing guidelines to improve the monitoring, administration, and implementation of mine closure plans.
• ‘Reclaim Framework’ Unveiled: A new ‘Reclaim Framework’ was launched at the event. This framework aims to ensure meaningful community engagement and ecological restoration efforts are integral to mine closure, aligning with the event’s theme of sustainable mining and responsible practices.
• Vision Plans for Strategic Minerals: Minister Reddy also unveiled Vision Plans for Strategic Minerals – Aluminium and Copper. These plans are designed to boost India’s green growth and manufacturing ambitions for a sustainable future.

World Mining Congress (WMC)

• The World Mining Congress (WMC) was initiated in 1958 when prof. Bolesław Krupiński – a prominent Polish scientist and mining engineer organized the first congress in Warsaw.
• Prof. Krupiński was the WMC Chairman until 1972.
• The WMC is the UN – afiliated organization. It is run by the permanent secretariat seated in Poland.