Coal India, SCCL Partner For Sustainable Closed Mines

Coal India Limited (CIL) and The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), on Friday, said that they have signed separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Heartfulness Institute, led by Revered Daaji, the Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

The agreements aim to restore green cover and develop a sustainable ecosystem on closed and abandoned mining sites, aligning with the Ministry’s newly launched RECLAIM initiative.

The RECLAIM initiative which is an acronym for Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate and Maintain is intended at Community Engagement and Development Framework for Mine Closure and Repurposing. It builds on field experience and global good practices including guidance from ICMM (2022), the Sustainable Development Goals, and IFC Performance Standards.

Heartfulness Institute will provide the necessary technology and resources in creating a viable green cover over the closed mines, controlling and sequestering hazardous gases, replenish the soil layers and creating a sustainable ecosystem at the mine closure sites. The framework will generate the livelihoods of those around the closed mining sites or those who depending on mining for livelihoods.

Statements from Key Leaders
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy said, “We are committed to restoring the closed mine sites as it is time for us to give back to nature. The Govt. Mandates mine closures in the most scientific and sustainable way and replenish the mining sites with economic and environmental value across the country. By joining hands with them, we will do all we can do for restoration, repurposing, long-term socio-economic growth by generating livelihoods.”

Revered Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness, said, “It’s time to give back to nature. Mine closures often strip regions of natural richness, and we feel a strong responsibility to restore them. Through these partnerships, we hope to rebuild ecosystems and empower local communities through sustainable livelihoods.” 

The framework is supported by a suite of actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies tailored to the Indian context. Special focus is given to gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable groups, and alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the transition is equitable and locally relevant.