The Coal Controller Organisation is developing support for scientific mine closure and new uses for former mining land. Its initiatives seek to help stakeholders plan a transition from closed operations to productive and sustainable assets.
CCO’s in-house SUVIKALP tool assesses possible repurposing projects through a structured comparison. Technical feasibility is considered alongside environmental, social and economic factors. By evaluating and ranking options, it gives users a data-led basis for choosing suitable projects.
After a project is selected, the PRISM implementation model provides material to help move from an idea to execution. Available resources include project concepts, implementation approaches, case studies, sample detailed project reports and tender documentation. It also identifies organisations with experience in relevant sectors.
SUVIKALP received the SKOCH Gold Award 2026 on 26 September 2026, in the digital operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making category. The recognition acknowledged the tool’s innovation and practical value within an awards programme covering governance, technology and public-value initiatives.
CCO also organised the SUVIKALP Samvaad national webinar series to develop knowledge and institutional capacity. Coal companies, public officials, technical specialists and academic institutions joined other stakeholders to exchange practical approaches to mine closure and post-mining development.
The 12 thematic webinars covered RECLAIM and L.I.V.E.S., use of SUVIKALP, project-management units and community engagement. Further subjects included tourism, livelihoods, finance, reuse of abandoned mine voids and experience of mine transitions within India and internationally.
The exchanges encouraged companies to consider mine closure beyond its regulatory requirements. Environmental restoration, community development, alternative livelihoods and economic diversification were included in that broader perspective. Expert discussions offered practical insights and approaches that stakeholders could adapt when planning sustainable projects.
Together, the tool, implementation resources and knowledge-sharing programme support the Coal Ministry’s aim of turning closed mines into useful assets. Their wider purpose is to help former mining areas develop sustainable regional opportunities.