India's Illegal Coal Mining Problem

Table of Contents

Context: Three workers died of asphyxiation in an illegal coal mine in Surendranagar, Gujarat.

Similar Incidents

Dhanbad, Jharkhand (June 2023): A mine collapse killed three people, including a ten-year-old child, emphasising the recurring danger of illegal mining activities.
Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal (October 2023): Similar to the other incidents, a collapse during illegal mining operations resulted in three fatalities.

About Coal

Surface mining and deep underground mining are the two basic methods adopted for mining coal.
India holds the 5th biggest coal reserves in the World.
The top 5 States in terms of total coal reserves in India are Jharkhand > Odisha > Chhattisgarh > West Bengal > Madhya Pradesh.
Reserve Highest: USA, Russia, Australia, China, India
Highest Production: China, India, Indonesia, USA, Australia.
Four types of Coal are found in India: Anthracite (Highest grade), Bituminous, lignite, and Peat (Lowest grade).
Coal is primarily used for Power generation in Thermal Power Plants and steel production with the help of coking coal, Coal gasification coal liquefaction etc.

Coal Mining Pollution

Burning of coal releases several toxic gases such as Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Dioxide, PM particles etc.
Around 50% of India’s electricity is produced by Coal-based thermal power stations which contribute over half sulphur dioxide (SO2), 30% oxides of nitrogen (NOx), about 20% particulate matter (PM), etc.
- India is the largest emitter of Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) in the world
India has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and for the entire economy to be net zero by 2070.

About Asphyxiation

Asphyxiation is a condition of deficient supply of oxygen to the body which arises from abnormal breathing.
Asphyxia causes generalised hypoxia, which affects primarily the tissues and organs.
Asphyxia can cause coma or death.
Possible causes of asphyxiation: airway obstruction, inhaling chemicals, drowning, injury etc.

Background and Legal Framework

Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973: This act nationalised coal mining in two phases, targeting coking coal first and non-coking coal mines later.

It governs who is eligible for coal mining in India.

Other Provisions of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973

Purpose: Enacted by the Indian Parliament to ensure the rational, coordinated, and scientific development of coal resources.
Public Sector Reservation: Initially reserved coal mining exclusively for the public sector.
Exceptions in 1976:
- Allowed captive mining by private companies involved in iron and steel production.
- Permitted sub-leasing in isolated small pockets.
1993 Amendments: Enabled private sector participation in captive coal mining for power generation, coal washing, and other notified end uses.
Allocation Process: Coal mines for captive use were allotted based on recommendations from a high-powered committee.
Cement Production: Allowed mining of coal for captive use in cement production via government notification.
Government Control: Established overarching government control over coal mining, with limited private sector involvement permitted for specific sectors and purposes.

Causes of Rampant Illegal Mining

High Demand for Coal: As coal meets 55% of India’s energy needs, the demand often surpasses legal supply, leading to illegal mining.
Location and Poverty: Coal-rich regions are often proximate to impoverished communities, contributing to the prevalence of illegal mining.
Weak Enforcement: Remote areas suffer from inadequate monitoring and resource scarcity, leading to less enforcement of mining regulations.
Political and Police Collusion: Allegations of support from political figures and police involvement have been reported, complicating enforcement efforts.
- For instance, the Assam Jatiya Parishad accused BJP leaders of supporting illegal rat-hole mining in Assam and Meghalaya.

Risks and Consequences of Illegal Mining

Safety Hazards: The primary risk in illegal mining operations is the lack of safety protocols and equipment, leading to increased fatalities from toxic exposure and structural collapses.
Health Risks: Miners are exposed to hazardous substances like coal dust, lead, and mercury, posing severe health risks.
Exploitation and Negligence: Workers in illegal mines often lack proper training and are exploited due to the informal nature of their employment.

Challenges in Combating Illegal Mining

Jurisdictional Challenges: Illegal mining is categorised under the State list as a law and order problem, leading to potential jurisdictional conflicts between State and Union governments.
Economic Dependence: Local economies may depend heavily on mining, legally or illegally, making it politically and socially challenging to eradicate illegal activities.
Complex Legal Framework: The intricate legal landscape surrounding mining can create bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies, allowing illegal operations to thrive under the radar.
Ineffective Resolution: Issues of illegal mining have been discussed in Parliament, but effective resolution is complicated due to the division of responsibilities and the political sensitivity surrounding mining in economically dependent regions.