Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh approves Coal Pulz coal mining lease

Core Viewpoint - The approval of Coal Pulz's mining lease for the Namchik-Namphuk coal mines in Arunachal Pradesh marks a significant step in reviving coal mining operations in the region, with expected economic benefits and job creation for the local population [1][2]. Group 1: Mining Operations - Mining operations are projected to commence soon, with an expected annual production of 200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), generating royalties for the state [2]. - The operations are anticipated to create employment opportunities and contribute to economic sustainability in the region [2]. - The mining activities are expected to help curb illegal coal mining in the area, as stated by the Arunachal Pradesh Geology and Mining Minister [2]. Group 2: Environmental and Regulatory Approvals - The mining lease area is located within the Namchik Reserve Forest and has received necessary forest clearances from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change [3]. - The state Environment Impact Assessment Authority has also transferred the environmental clearance for the open-cast coal mine [3]. Group 3: Historical Context - The Namchik-Namphuk coalfields contain approximately 15 million tonnes of coal reserves and were initially allocated to the Arunachal Pradesh Mineral Development & Trading Corporation in October 2003 [4]. - The total area of the coal block is 133.65 hectares, with previous open-cast mining conducted on 39.02 hectares, extracting one million tonnes of coal between April 2007 and February 2012 [4]. - Mining operations were suspended in 2012 due to project term violations and security concerns, with a resumption announced in 2014 facing delays and scrutiny [5]. Group 4: Recent Developments - In 2023, Coal Pulz was allocated the coal mine, with initial extraction permissions withheld, but an escrow agreement signed on February 4, 2023, marked progress towards opening the mines to the private sector [6]. - The Arunachal Pradesh Government sought approval to transfer forest clearance to Coal Pulz on June 12, 2023 [6]. - This development follows the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's exemptions for mining proposals involving strategic minerals from public consultations [7].