India's mining sector, contributing 12% to industrial GDP, faces mounting environmental challenges requiring urgent remedial interventions.

Why Mining is Considered an Environmental Hazard

1. Land Degradation and Habitat Loss:

• Surface mining removes entire topsoil layers, leading to desertification risks (as seen in Rajasthan).
• Subsidence in underground mining creates unstable terrain, damaging houses, rail lines, and roads.
• Overburden dumps alter hydrological cycles and cause frequent landslides (Jharkhand, Meghalaya).
• Deforestation for mining reduces carbon sequestration capacity, worsening climate change.
• Example: Jharia coalfields in Jharkhand have rendered 17,000 hectares unsuitable for habitation

2. Water Resource Contamination:

• Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) releases heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, damaging aquatic ecosystems.
• Water table depletion due to deep mining increases irrigation stress in surrounding villages.
• Sedimentation reduces reservoir life—e.g., the Damodar River basin is facing heavy siltation.
• Chemical leaching from tailings raises cancer risks in communities.
• Example: Sukinda chromite mines in Odisha contaminated local water with hexavalent chromium

3. Air Pollution and Health Hazards:

• Fugitive dust causes chronic bronchitis and TB in mining belts, along with other respiratory diseases.
• Particulate matter (PM 2.5/PM 10) exceeds CPCB norms by 4–6 times in mining clusters like Dhanbad.
• Toxic gas emissions from coal mines contribute to India’s fugitive emissions (3% of GHG share).
• Silicosis and pneumoconiosis prevalent among miners. Over 3 lakh miners in India are at risk of silicosis (ILO report).
• Example: Bellary iron ore mines in Karnataka recorded PM levels 5 times WHO standards

Remedial Measures Required

1. Technological Interventions:

• Implementation of precision mining techniques to minimize waste generation
• Installation of automated dust suppression systems and real-time air quality monitoring
• Adoption of in-situ leaching and underground coal gasification for reduced surface disturbance
• Use of bio-remediation techniques for treating contaminated soil and water
• Example: Coal India Limited deployed continuous miner technology reducing surface disruption by 40%

2. Environmental Management Practices:

• Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with public consultations
• Development of comprehensive mine closure plans before operations begin
• Creation of buffer zones and green belts around mining sites
• Implementation of water recycling systems and zero liquid discharge facilities
• Example: Hindustan Zinc's Rajasthan operations achieved 95% water recycling

3. Regulatory and Policy Measures:

• Strict enforcement of Sustainable Development Framework under MMDR Act 2015
• Establishment of Mine Rehabilitation Funds with mandatory contributions
• Regular third-party environmental audits and compliance monitoring
• Integration of community participation in environmental management
• Example: District Mineral Foundation in Odisha allocated ₹2,000 crores for affected communities

The transition toward sustainable mining practices through the National Mineral Policy 2019 and green mining initiatives can balance resource extraction with environmental stewardship for future generations.