SECL Sets Benchmark in Scientific Mine Closure

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has set a major benchmark in sustainable mining by completing the scientific closure of 28 abandoned mines, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries. These closures account for nearly 67% of all abandoned coal mines scientifically closed in India. The pace accelerated sharply during FY 2025-26, when SECL completed scientific closure work at 25 mines in a single financial year. The achievement underlines the company’s growing focus on ensuring that exhausted mining sites are rehabilitated rather than simply left behind. Scientific mine closure involves much more than shutting operations. SECL’s programme includes permanently securing underground openings, dismantling obsolete infrastructure, treating subsidence-prone areas, reclaiming disturbed land, undertaking plantation and restoring the local ecology while strengthening long-term safety. The company has identified 54 abandoned mines under its closure roadmap. After completing three closures in FY 2024-25 and 25 in FY 2025-26, SECL plans to address another 11 mines during FY 2026-27 and the remaining 15 in FY 2027-28. Beyond environmental restoration, reclaimed mining land can potentially support productive new uses, including green spaces, renewable-energy projects and community-oriented development, depending on site conditions and approvals. As a Coal India subsidiary, SECL’s progress demonstrates how mine closure can become an integral part of responsible mining. Completing rehabilitation across all identified sites could establish a replicable model for turning India’s legacy coal assets into safer and more sustainable landscapes.