The Ministry of Coal will release AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure on July 22, 2026, highlighting the scientific closure of 42 coal mines. The event will also feature the signing of an India-Germany implementation agreement with GIZ and the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants to improve drinking water access in coal-bearing regions.
Key Highlights
- Coal Ministry to unveil AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure on July 22.
- Report highlights the scientific closure of 42 coal mines for the first time since Independence.
- India and Germany’s GIZ to sign an implementation agreement on scientific mine closure.
- Coal NEER Plants to be inaugurated to provide safe drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
New Delhi, July 21: The Ministry of Coal will on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) release AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure, a comprehensive report documenting India’s progress in scientific mine closure, ecological restoration and sustainable post-mining land use. The event will also witness the signing of an Implementation Agreement with Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants established by Coal India Limited (CIL).
According to the Ministry, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed for the first time since Independence in accordance with approved mine closure plans. The AAROH report showcases how these former mining sites have been transformed through scientific reclamation, ecological restoration, sustainable land utilisation and community-centric development, enabling productive reuse of post-mining landscapes.
A key highlight of the programme will be the signing of the India-Germany implementation agreement with GIZ, aimed at strengthening technical cooperation on “to-be-closed coal mines.” The partnership seeks to build institutional capacity, promote knowledge exchange and facilitate the adoption of global best practices in scientific mine closure and sustainable post-mining development.
The event will also mark the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants developed by Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries to improve access to safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions. The initiative is expected to strengthen community welfare and improve the quality of life in mining-affected areas.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will be the Chief Guest at the programme. The event will also be attended by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, underscoring the government’s integrated approach towards sustainable mining and environmental restoration.
The Ministry said mine closure is a crucial phase in the mining lifecycle, involving ecological restoration, land reclamation and the productive repurposing of mined-out land for long-term community and economic benefits. To institutionalise scientific mine closure, it has introduced several policy frameworks, including the RECLAIM Framework for community engagement, the L.I.V.E.S. Framework for sustainable mine closure and repurposing, and SUVIKALP, an interactive decision-support tool for evaluating post-mining land-use options.
The programme will also feature an exhibition showcasing innovative reclamation and rehabilitation initiatives undertaken by Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), NTPC, and private mining companies, highlighting successful examples of ecological restoration and sustainable mine redevelopment across India.
The release of the AAROH report, the India-Germany GIZ agreement, and the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants reflect the government’s growing emphasis on scientific mine closure, environmental sustainability, and community-focused development. These initiatives are expected to strengthen India’s transition towards responsible mining practices and sustainable post-mining land use.
