Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced that the state government has received approval to begin scientific coal mining operations in the state.
Hailing it as a monumental and historic day for Meghalaya, CM Conrad Sangma wrote, “Today marks a monumental and historic day for Meghalaya! As promised, our government has delivered on its commitment to secure approval for scientific coal mining operations in the state by working closely with the Ministry of Coal.”
Today marks a monumental and historic day for Meghalaya! As promised, our government has delivered on its commitment to secure approval for scientific coal mining operations in the state by working closely with the Ministry of Coal.
Three Escrow agreements were signed today by… pic.twitter.com/00zxIFAtqr
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 29, 2025
The Controller of Coal signed three Escrow agreements with the project proponents for mining sites at three locations – Pyndengshalang in West Khasi Hills district, Saryngkham in East Jaintia Hills district, and Lumiakhi, Wahsarang in East Jaintia Hills district.
He said these agreements mark a crucial step towards the commencement of mining operations, which will proceed in accordance with stringent environmental guidelines and sustainable practices.
In addition to approval being granted to the three locations, 12 more applications are in advanced stages of approval.
The state government, alongside the Department of Mining and Geology, is working to fast-track these processes.
CM Sangma added, “In addition to these three, 12 more applications are in the advanced stages of approval, and we continue to actively pursue these with the support of the project proponents and the dedicated efforts of the Department of Mining and Geology.”
“This is a significant stride for Meghalaya’s progress,” the chief minister said.
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The mining sector’s revitalization is expected to generate jobs, increase state revenue, and drive infrastructure improvements in the areas impacted by mining activities.
This development follows years of regulatory obstacles and environmental concerns that previously halted mining in the state.
