On July 4, 2025, the Indian National Committee of the World Mining Congress (INC-WMC) concluded its International Conference on ‘Sustainable and Responsible Mining through Best Mine Closure Practices’ in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, academia, and stakeholders from India and abroad to discuss and share global best practices on mine closure, focusing on environmental sustainability, mining safety, responsible methods, and strategic discussions among stakeholders.
- The event featured the launch of important initiatives including the Mission Green Booklet, Copper and Aluminium Vision Documents, the Reach Out Envision Co-Design Localise Act Integrate Maintain(RECLAIM) Framework, the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS).
Key People:
The event was graced by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM), Patron of INC-WMC; V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of MoM and Co-Chairperson of INC-WMC; P. M. Prasad, Chairman of Kolkata (West Bengal, WB) based Coal India Limited (CIL) and other senior officials and representatives from industry and academia.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
1.Mission Green Booklet:
The booklet outlines best practices for mine closure, emphasizing the restoration of ecosystems and the repurposing of mined land for community benefits, such as agriculture or fisheries.
- It is part of a broader effort to integrate sustainability into India’s mining sector.
2.Copper Vision Document:
i.Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy released the Copper Vision Document, positioning copper as critical to India’s green energy transition, including electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power.
ii.Key Targets:
- Anticipates a sixfold increase in copper demand by 2047
- Plans to add 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of smelting and refining capacity by 2030
- Focuses on scaling secondary refining, enhancing domestic recycling, and securing overseas mineral assets to reduce import dependency
iii.The document developed through consultations with stakeholders like Hindustan Copper Limited(HCL), Hindalco Industries Ltd., Vedanta Ltd., Kutch Copper Ltd., Indo-Asia Copper Ltd., Lohum, Indian Primary Copper Producers Association (IPCPA), International Copper Association (ICA).
3.Aluminium Vision Document:
i.Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also launched the Aluminium Vision Document, which sets an ambitious roadmap for India’s self-reliant in aluminium production for clean energy, EVs, and infrastructure.
ii.Key Targets:
- Sixfold growth in aluminium production by 2047
- Expansion of bauxite production capacity to 150 MTPA
- Doubling national recycling rates
- Promotion of low-carbon technologies
iii.The document developed collaboration with National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), Hindalco Industries Ltd., Vedanta Ltd., Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Aluminium Association of India (AAI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA), Metal Recycling Association of India (MRAI).
Note: India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, and a top-10 producer in refined copper.
4.RECLAIM Framework:
The conference introduced the RECLAIM Framework, adopting the 6R Philosophy (Reclamation, Repurposing, Rehabilitation, Revegetation, Remediation, and Relinquishment) for scientific mine closure.
- Developed jointly by the Coal Controller Organisation under the Ministry of Coal and the Heartfulness Institute, this India-specific policy tool is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable mine closure practices.
- The framework is backed by a range of practical tools, templates, and proven methodologies customized for India. It places special focus on gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable communities, and coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure a fair and locally meaningful transition.
- So far 10 mines successfully closed, with 147 more identified for time-bound closure.
Note: As of 2025, top 3 coal-producing countries are China, India and Indonesia.
5.SWCS Exploration Module:
The Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) – Exploration Module was launched to digitize coal exploration, reducing processing time and enhancing transparency.
- It was developed by the Ministry of Coal in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL).
- The exploration module is designed to enhance transparency and shorten turnaround times. It complements other existing modules on the SWCS platform, such as mining plan approval, mine opening permission, and the Project Information Management System, thereby streamlining approvals from various central and state agencies.
Note: In Financial Year 2024–25 (FY25), the Ministry of Coal achieved a historic milestone, producing 1,047.57 million tonnes (MT) of coal, marking a 4.99% increase compared to 997.83 MT in FY24.
About International Copper Association (ICA):
President and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Juan Ignacio Díaz
Headquarters – Washington, D.C., the United States of America(USA)
Established – 1989
