Date : 1/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3 - Disaster Management,GS Paper 4 – Ethics

Keywords: Rat Hole Mining, Safety Hazards, Ethical Perspective, Silkyara tunnel

Context-

On November 28, after 17 days of being stuck in the partially collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, 41 workers were rescued. Two scientific methods were used for the rescue: vertical drilling and auger or horizontal drilling. In the final stage of the rescue, a method called rat-hole mining, which was previously used a lot in Meghalaya, was employed.

What is rat-hole mining?

About

Rat-hole mining stands as a distinctive method for extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, particularly prevalent in the region of Meghalaya. The term "rat hole" denotes the small, constricted pits that miners delve into, typically only spacious enough for an individual to descend and procure coal manually.

Mining Process:

Once these pits are established, miners descend using rudimentary tools such as ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. Manual extraction follows, employing basic instruments like pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

Types of Rat-Hole Mining:

Side-Cutting Procedure:

• Narrow tunnels are dug into hill slopes, with workers venturing inside until they locate the coal seam.
• Given the thin nature of the coal seam in Meghalaya's hills, measuring less than 2 meters in most cases, this method is adopted.

Box-Cutting:

• Involves creating a rectangular opening ranging from 10 to 100 sqm.
• A vertical pit is then dug, reaching depths of 100 to 400 feet.
• Subsequently, rat-hole-sized tunnels are dug horizontally to facilitate coal extraction.

Concerns Associated with Rat-Hole Mining:

Rat-hole mining raises substantial safety and environmental concerns. These operations are typically unregulated, lacking essential safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the miners.

Safety Hazards:

The perilous conditions not only jeopardize the safety of the miners but also contribute to environmental hazards. Despite regulatory attempts, the absence of safety protocols persists, posing risks to those engaged in rat-hole mining.

Environmental Impact:

Rat-hole mining is linked to various ecological problems, including the acidification of rivers, land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), resulting from these mines, has proven particularly harmful, degrading water quality and reducing biodiversity in affected water bodies.

Regulatory Challenges:

Despite regulatory efforts to control or prohibit such practices, economic factors and the lack of viable alternative livelihoods for the local population often contribute to the persistence of rat-hole mining. The intricate balance between economic needs and environmental conservation remains a challenge for authorities attempting to address this issue.

Why is such mining banned?

In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) prohibited rat-hole mining, deeming it unscientific, yet the practice persists unchecked. The Northeastern state has witnessed numerous accidents, resulting in the tragic deaths of rat-hole miners.

One significant incident occurred in 2018, where 15 individuals engaged in illegal mining became trapped in a flooded mine. Despite a rescue operation lasting over two months, only two bodies were recovered. Another unfortunate event unfolded in 2021 when five miners found themselves trapped in a flooded mine. The rescue operation lasted a month, yielding the discovery of three bodies before being called off. The environmental repercussions of this method further exacerbate the issue.

Despite the NGT ban, mining remains a vital revenue source for the state government. The Manipur government has contested the ban, asserting that there is no viable alternative mining option for the region. A panel appointed by the Meghalaya High Court in 2022 confirmed the unabated continuation of rat-hole mining in Meghalaya.

NGT Ban:

Environmentalists and human rights activists raised concerns about the dangers of rat-hole mining in Meghalaya two decades ago. The issue gained momentum when the Meghalaya-based NGO, Impulse, focused on addressing human trafficking and child labor in these mines.

Three crucial reports, collaborated with the Esther Benjamin Trust (May 2010), Aide et Action (December 2010), and Human Rights Now (July 2011), highlighted the alarming employment of approximately 70,000 children, mainly from Bangladesh and Nepal, in these hazardous mines. The State's Department of Mining and Geology initially rejected these claims. However, under pressure from the National Human Rights Commission, they admitted in June 2013 that 222 children were indeed working in rat-hole mines, specifically in the East Jaintia Hills district. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) implemented the ban a year later.

Challenges and Economic Considerations in Meghalaya

Unlike other regions like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, Meghalaya's coal seams are notably thin, making rat-hole mining economically more attractive than opencast mining. The state possesses an estimated reserve of 576.48 million tonnes of low-ash, high-sulfur coal from the Eocene age (33-56 million years ago). Some locals, driven by high stakes, have pressured the State government to facilitate legal resumption of mining.

Why Prevalent in Northeastern India?

• In Northeastern India, commercial mining remains uncommon despite the presence of coal reserves due to various factors. The region's challenging terrain and the nature of coal deposits contribute to this restraint. The coal seams are notably thin, rendering methods such as open-cast mining economically impractical.
• Moreover, the coal discovered in the North-East is characterized by high sulfur content, classifying it as low-quality coal. This factor deters significant private investments in the sector. Additionally, the region is marked by a tribal state status under the 6th Schedule, leading to all land being privately owned. Consequently, coal mining, including activities like limestone mining, is primarily undertaken by private entities lacking the financial capacity for substantial investments.
• Furthermore, these mining operations are often viewed as valuable assets by the local population. Acting as a source of employment and potential income, these mines are considered as essential contributors to the economic development of these underprivileged areas, without necessitating substantial external investments.

An Ethical Perspective: Can Anything illegal be used for Social Good?

• The rescue operation in the Silkyara tunnel presented a stark ethical quandary, as illegal rat-hole mining, banned due to environmental concerns, became a last resort to save 41 lives. The National Green Tribunal's prohibition on rat-hole mining in 2014, reiterated in 2015, aimed to safeguard ecosystems. However, the urgency of the situation compelled rescuers to prioritize human lives over adherence to legal norms.
• From an ethical standpoint, this case raises questions about the hierarchy of values. While environmental conservation is crucial, the inherent value of human life often takes precedence in moral deliberations. The decision to use illegal methods for a humanitarian cause underscores the complexity of ethics in real-world dilemmas.
• The Meghalaya High Court's appointment of the Justice (Retired) BP Katakey committee to ensure compliance with legal directives emphasizes the importance of upholding regulations. However, the persistence of illegal mining, despite bans and committee oversight, indicates systemic challenges.
• This scenario prompts reflection on the limitations of legal frameworks when faced with exceptional circumstances. It beckons a reconsideration of laws to incorporate provisions for emergencies, perhaps through a structured, transparent process. Striking a balance between protecting the environment and recognizing the sanctity of life necessitates nuanced ethical discussions.
• Furthermore, the rescue operation challenges the notion of a black-and-white ethical landscape. It highlights the shades of grey inherent in real-world decision-making, especially in crisis situations. The moral responsibility of those involved in the rescue operation is undeniable, as they grappled with the consequences of using illegal means to achieve a socially beneficial end.

Ultimately, this incident serves as a case study for ethical deliberations at the intersection of legality, environmental concerns, and human welfare. It urges society to engage in thoughtful discourse on crafting ethical frameworks that address both the preservation of our environment and the imperative to safeguard human lives in times of crisis.

Conclusion

In May 2023, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the Coal Ministry approved mining leases for four out of 17 prospective license applicants. This decision is expected to kickstart 'scientific' mining, aimed at ensuring minimal environmental impact through sustainable and legally compliant extraction procedures. However, anti-mining activists, who often face assaults from miners, remain skeptical, suggesting that the term 'scientific' might merely serve as a cosmetic label in a state where profit has historically driven coal mining activities.

Source- The Hindu