SECL leads India in scientific closure of abandoned coal mines
South Eastern Coalfields Limited has scientifically closed 28 abandoned mines, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries and 67% of all such closures in the country, the Coal Ministry said on 7 August 2026.
Summary
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has emerged as India's leader in scientific mine closure, having closed 28 abandoned mines, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries, the Ministry of Coal said on 7 August 2026. SECL accounts for 67% of all abandoned mines scientifically closed in the country, and its 25 closures in FY 2025-26 are the highest by any organisation in a single year. Of 54 abandoned mines identified, SECL plans to close 11 in FY 2026-27 and the remaining 15 in FY 2027-28. District Mine Closure Advisory Committees have been set up in all 10 of its operational districts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Key facts
- Company
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited (Coal India subsidiary)
- Mines closed
- 28 (highest among CIL subsidiaries)
- Share
- 67% of India's scientific closures of abandoned mines
- FY 2025-26
- 25 closures – highest in a single year
- Identified
- 54 abandoned mines; 11 in FY27, 15 in FY28
- Committees
- DMCACs in 10 districts of Chhattisgarh and MP
Practice MCQs 2 questions
How many abandoned mines had South Eastern Coalfields Limited scientifically closed, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries, as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 28
SECL had scientifically closed 28 abandoned mines out of 54 identified, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries.
Consider the following statements about SECL's scientific mine closure programme: 1. SECL accounts for 67% of all abandoned mines scientifically closed in India. 2. District Mine Closure Advisory Committees have been set up in its operational districts in Jharkhand and Odisha. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The committees are in SECL's 10 operational districts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.