Union Minister Calls for Sustainable Development in Coal and Mining Sector
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, has emphasized the importance of creating a universally acceptable approach that balances environmental protection, economic growth, and worker welfare. Speaking at the National Conference of State Coal and Mines Ministers in Konark, Odisha, on Monday, he urged all stakeholders to move forward with this shared vision.
The minister expressed optimism that, with the cooperation of state governments, India could soon establish itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector. At the same time, he stressed the need to prioritize coal production to meet the country’s growing energy demands.
Kishan Reddy pointed out that while coal consumption is stabilizing globally, in India, it is expected to rise further, reaching about 2 billion tonnes per year by 2040. He highlighted the crucial role of state governments in meeting this demand and called for concerted efforts to ensure sustainability in the coal and mining sectors.
Currently, India’s renewable energy capacity stands at 200 gigawatts, but the government is working to increase this to 500 gigawatts by 2030. The coal and mining industries are expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal. The minister noted that the coal sector has set a target of generating 15.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
To support this transition, Kishan Reddy revealed that solar power and pumped storage plants are being established on 2,500 hectares of de-coaled land (land from completed coal mines). He urged further promotion of solar power projects on such lands. Additionally, the government has launched a coal gasification initiative with an investment of ₹8,500 crore, aiming to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. The minister also emphasized the importance of proper mine closures after mining activities are completed, involving local communities and NGOs in the process.
Kishan Reddy called for the effective implementation of relevant schemes and sought the full cooperation of state governments. He stressed the need for proper utilization of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Trust funds, ensuring they are directed toward pressing needs.
The minister also highlighted the employment potential of the coal sector, which currently provides nearly 5 lakh jobs. He urged state governments to focus on skill development and capacity building to create more job opportunities. He noted the significant role of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) in enhancing exploration, with 329 projects funded so far, and encouraged states to establish their own mineral exploration trusts.
Illegal mining, he said, remains a major challenge, and modern technology must be leveraged to address this issue. The Central government introduced the ‘Mining Surveillance System’ in 2016, which issues alerts for unusual activities, and state governments’ cooperation is essential for its effective use.
In conclusion, the Union Minister called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable growth of India’s coal and mining sectors while addressing environmental, social, and economic priorities.
