Shillong, October 11, 2026: Meghalaya has stepped up efforts to explore the resumption of small-scale coal mining, with a central technical team inspecting coal-bearing areas in East Jaintia Hills and the Khasi Hills to assess the feasibility of safe and scientific mining.
The team included representatives from the Ministry of Coal, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), accompanied by officials from the State Directorate of Mineral Resources.
According to the State Government, the inspection was part of ongoing discussions with the Centre to develop a framework for small-scale coal mining that complies with legal, safety and environmental requirements while addressing the livelihood concerns of coal-dependent families.
The move follows Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s meeting with Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi on July 7, 2026. During the meeting, Sangma raised concerns over the impact of the suspension of coal mining following the National Green Tribunal’s ban and sought the Centre’s support in exploring ways to revive the sector.
During the field visits, the technical team examined existing mining practices and assessed how mining operations could be carried out safely and scientifically, taking into account Meghalaya’s geological conditions and landholding patterns.
The team later met senior State Government officials to discuss the challenges faced by local miners and the technical, safety and environmental requirements for introducing scientific mining practices.
The discussions also focused on identifying an approach suited to local conditions while meeting statutory requirements and determining the next steps towards developing a workable framework.
Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the government’s commitment to exploring viable options for restarting coal mining while balancing the economic needs of local communities with environmental protection. He also stressed the importance of cooperation between the State Government, the Centre and local miners.
The State Government expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Coal, CMPDIL and DGMS for their technical assistance and continued cooperation.
Further assessments and follow-up meetings are expected in the coming weeks, with the Directorate of Mineral Resources coordinating with the Centre and other concerned departments.
However, the latest inspection marks progress in the assessment process and does not amount to final clearance for the resumption of small-scale coal mining. No date for restarting operations has been announced.
