Despite a standing ban, the practice of rat-hole mining continues to persist as the predominant method for coal extraction in the Indian state of Meghalaya, which recently witnessed a devastating mine collapse. This unique but hazardous technique revolves around the creation of small tunnels, often just 3-4 feet high, which miners—frequently children—enter to extract coal.
The Ban on Rat-Hole Mining and the Challenge Against It
In an attempt to curb this unsafe and unscientific method, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014. However, the government of Meghalaya has refused to accept this prohibition and initiated a challenge against the NGT ban in the Supreme Court.
Government data reveals that Meghalaya possesses a significant coal reserve of approximately 640 million tonnes. The majority of this is mined unscientifically by individuals and communities. Given the extreme thinness of the coal seam in the region, no other method of extraction is economically feasible. Consequently, removing rocks from hilly terrain or constructing pillars within the mine to avoid collapse are considered cost-prohibitive options. Thus, this locally developed technique remains the most prevalent one in Meghalaya.
The government currently lacks a policy framework for regulating mining. Although a new mining policy was conceived in 2012, it has not been implemented so far. Furthermore, the NGT deemed this policy insufficient as it does not address the issue of rat-hole mining.
The Ecological Consequences of Rat-Hole Mining
Conducting its operations without any stringent regulations, rat-hole mining has led to severe environmental damage. The water sources of numerous rivers, particularly those in the Jaintia Hills district, have turned acidic due to this practice.
| Impact | Specific Example |
|---|---|
| Acidic Water | Degraded quality of water in rivers, especially in the Jaintia Hills district |
| Water Contamination | High concentrations of sulphates, iron, and toxic heavy metals. |
| Air Pollution | Off-road movement of trucks for coal transportation. |
| Soil Pollution | Roadside dumping of coal. |
The Unsafe Working Conditions in Rat-Hole Mines
Not only does this mining technique jeopardize the environment, but it also poses a grave risk to the workers involved. Adjudged as unsafe by the NGT, these mines branch into complex networks of horizontal tunnels that are always at a high risk of either caving in or flooding. This constant threat coupled with the generally poor working conditions contribute to making rat-hole mining a hazardous occupation.