The Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress (INC WMC) has wrapped up its international conference on “Sustainable and Responsible Mining through Best Mine Closure Practices” in Hyderabad. The gathering drew policymakers, industry leaders, environmental specialists, academics and other stakeholders from India and abroad to exchange global expertise on responsible mine shutdowns.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, the event’s patron, outlined a vision for a greener, safer mining future and reaffirmed government backing for rigorous environmental standards. Senior figures such as Mines Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao and Coal India Chair P. M. Prasad provided strategic guidance, while Additional Coal Secretary Rupinder Brar steered discussions across technical sessions.

Speakers presented innovative approaches for rehabilitating worked out mines and safeguarding local ecosystems. Milestone launches included the Mission Green booklet, copper and aluminium vision documents, the RECLAIM framework, the exploration module of the Single Window Clearance System, and details of the 24th Neyveli Book Fair—initiatives all aimed at boosting sustainability and innovation in the sector.