South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has emerged as India's leader in scientific mine closure, having successfully completed the scientific closure of 28 abandoned mines, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries. The company accounts for 67% of all abandoned mines scientifically closed in the country, with 25 mines closed during FY 2025-26 alone, representing the highest achievement by any organization in India in a single year.
Of the 54 abandoned mines identified for scientific closure, SECL completed the closure of three mines during FY 2024-25 and 25 mines during FY 2025-26. The company has established clear targets to close 11 mines in FY 2026-27 and the remaining 15 mines in FY 2027-28, which will complete the scientific closure of all identified abandoned mines in phases. To strengthen planning and stakeholder participation, District Mine Closure Advisory Committees (DMCACs) have been constituted across all 10 operational districts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
The scientific mine closure process involves securing abandoned mine workings through permanent sealing of underground openings, demolition of redundant infrastructure, treatment of subsidence areas, installation of safety measures, land reclamation, plantation and ecological restoration. Reclaimed land is subsequently assessed for productive reuse to support renewable energy, community infrastructure, livelihoods and environmental conservation.
SECL is currently implementing eight mine repurposing projects. Major initiatives include the completed Kenapara Eco Park at Bishrampur on reclaimed mine land. At Vivek Nagar UG, a 5 MW solar power project integrated with an Eco Park is under implementation. The company has commissioned 20 MW solar power plants at Bhatgaon and Bishrampur, while a 40 MW solar project at Pinoura UG is under implementation. Additionally, a 55 MW solar power project at Jamuna UG and Govinda UG has been planned.
Several scientifically closed mines have been repurposed into public infrastructure: Korba 3&4 UG land was integrated into the Bal Vihar Higher Secondary School campus; North Jhagrakhand UG now supports a public park and water filter plant; Subhash Incline's former service building became a municipal water filter plant; South Jhagrakhand 5&6 UG building converted into a CISF Post; South Jhagrakhand 10&11 UG developed into a public park; Banki 7&8 UG now houses a health centre and weekly market; and Banki 5&6 UG was developed as a community centre.
Environmental restoration remains central to every project, with nearly 35,000 saplings planted at Chachai UG following mine sealing and demolition. Dense plantations have been developed at Ramnagar UG, Korea UG and Malga UG, while naturally regenerated vegetation has been preserved at Rajgamar 8&9 UG and Pure Chirimiri UG to support ecological recovery.
The company has organized skill development programmes and health camps across reclaimed areas, covering computer education, tailoring, handicrafts, mushroom cultivation, pickle making and other livelihood activities for project-affected communities. Pisciculture initiatives are expected to support annual fish production of 25 tonnes, generate 206 livelihoods and provide potential annual income of ₹3 lakh per participating family.
Future repurposing proposals include eco-tourism, pisciculture, poultry farming and masala processing at Jamuna OC; honey processing, turmeric cultivation and cage culture at Baiga OC; and a training centre, compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant and fruit-bearing plantations at Banki UG, based on local conditions and future land-use requirements.
SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan stated that scientific mine closure represents the responsible completion of the mining lifecycle and reflects the company's commitment to sustainable mining, emphasizing that mine closure is not the end of mining but the beginning of a new chapter focused on restoring land, protecting the environment and converting reclaimed areas into productive assets.