Shillong: The Meghalaya government is working with the Centre to ensure small-scale miners are not sidelined by strict land requirements under the state's new scientific mining framework. While four mining leases have already received approval, with three of those sites currently operational and exporting coal, many smaller operators remain unable to meet the large land-holding criteria needed to qualify.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma confirmed that ongoing discussions with the federal government are exploring potential provisions to accommodate these smaller operations. Although he did not provide specific details on the negotiations, Sangma described the response from central authorities as encouraging.
This initiative aims to balance the economic needs of thousands of families with essential safety and environmental regulations. The transition follows a push to professionalize the sector, though the state still faces significant infrastructure challenges. Sangma noted that approximately 25,000 abandoned mines exist across remote parts of Meghalaya, creating a difficult environment for authorities to monitor.
Despite these obstacles, the Chief Minister views the initial lease approvals as a critical step forward. He remains optimistic that continued cooperation with the central government will create a more inclusive system that protects public safety without excluding smaller mining operations.
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