New Delhi, July 2 — In a progressive move toward sustainable mining and community welfare, the Ministry of Coal is set to launch RECLAIM, a comprehensive framework for community engagement and development in the context of mine closures. The initiative will be officially launched on 4th July 2025 by Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy.
Developed by the Coal Controller Organisation under the Ministry, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, the RECLAIM framework is a first-of-its-kind step-by-step guide tailored specifically for India’s mining regions. It aims to ensure that communities living around mines are not left behind as coal operations wind down, but are instead supported through a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition.
RECLAIM stands for a structured and participatory approach to Responsible Engagement and Community-Led Action in Mine closure. It’s not just about restoring land—it’s about restoring lives. The framework includes practical tools, templates, and field-tested methods to support local communities through each phase of mine closure and repurposing.
Special emphasis has been placed on gender inclusivity, representation of vulnerable groups, and coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions. This ensures that local voices are not only heard but actively shape the development process in a post-mining scenario.
By institutionalizing these practices, RECLAIM aspires to deliver a future that blends ecological restoration with social and economic resilience. It’s a vision of mine closure that doesn’t stop at shutting down operations—it begins a new chapter for the communities that once powered India’s industrial progress.
Source: Press Information Bureau
