Mine closure is an intridcate phase in the life of the mine, which calls for comprehensive planning beforehand. Many investigations need to be made hand in hand with the mine plan in order that the site is released in an ecologically sustainable state of the society. However, in some instances of mine closures in India, progressive closure planning phases need further improvements to avoid adverse socio-economic impacts on the local community. The typical mine closure case of Bharat Gold Mines Limited, and some coal mines of various coalfields in India are posing stern challenge to the mining community. If closed early, it may lead to permanent loss of natural resource and unethical, however, extending the life of a mine without proper evaluation may be uneconomical and unsafe. There has to be a balance between the two alternatives in the life of a mine with due regard to safety and modern mining technology available indigenously and also globally. This paper presents some of the legislative and social aspects of mine closure, including some of the formality to be fulfileld in Indian mining scenario.
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