Parliament Question: Abandoned and Non-Operational Mines in Chhattisgarh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6105 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026 ABANDONED AND NON-OPERATIONAL MINES IN CHHATTISGARH 6105. SMT. JYOTSNA CHARANDAS MAHANT: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) the total number of abandoned and non-operational mines in Chhattisgarh as on date, mineral-wise; (b) the number of such mines in the said State where final mine closure plans remain incomplete and the total financial assurance amount collected for their reclamation; (c) whether any safety hazards, such as open pits or groundwater contamination, have been recorded at abandoned sites in Chhattisgarh since 2018 and if so, the number of accidents/fatalities reported therein; and (d) the details of the time-bound plan to rehabilitate these legacy mines over the next five years? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL AND MINES (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY) (a) to (d): As per information provided by State Government of Chhattisgarh, there are 57 abandoned and non-working mines (14 Bauxite, 03 Iron ore, 08 Tin ore and 32 Limestone) in Chhattisgarh, and no groundwater contamination from abandoned major mineral mines has been reported since 2018. Matters relating to implementation of Final Mine Closure Plans (FMCPs), utilisation of Financial Assurance, and addressing safety and environmental concerns including rehabilitation of non-operational/legacy mines are within the purview of the concerned State Government as per the provisions of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017 and other applicable laws. *****