The two-day National Workshop on Mine Closure and Repurposing was held on 23 and 24 February 2026 at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, organised by the Ministry of Coal and NLC India Limited. It marked India’s first national-level initiative focused on structured mine closure planning and sustainable post-mining land repurposing. The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines and attended by ministry officials.

The workshop brought together 147 nodal officers from identified mines and representatives from coal sector public sector undertakings, private miners, regulators, NGOs, financial institutions, academia and international agencies, with over 500 participants. Nine thematic sessions featured 29 speakers from government, industry and research institutions who shared practical insights and on-ground experience. Organisers emphasised transforming mine closure from a compliance exercise into a catalyst for regional regeneration.

Sessions examined pathways such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, livestock livelihoods, aquaculture in mine voids, renewable energy integration, tourism and skills centres, along with policy convergence and accessing international finance. Deliberations centred on creating diversified and sustainable livelihood opportunities in post-mining landscapes and on the role of community engagement in inclusive development. Experts underlined the importance of structured planning and global best practices.

Participants visited reclaimed areas operated by NLC India Limited that have been converted into eco-tourism sites with boating, rejuvenated water bodies and enhanced bird habitats, demonstrating scientific reclamation. The workshop noted that 25 mines have been closed scientifically, indicating progress in transparent and accountable mine closure governance. The Ministry outlined initiatives including a mandatory allocation of 25 per cent of escrow funds for community development and release of the RECLAIM Framework to facilitate community engagement.

The Ministry referred to the LIVES Framework and the SUVIKALP tool to identify and implement repurposing projects and announced a series of webinars on livelihood diversification, renewable energy integration and tourism development. The Coal Controller Organisation will lead webinars to sustain knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders. The workshop was presented as reaffirming the Government’s commitment to using mine closure as an opportunity for environmental restoration, inclusive growth and socio-economic resilience.