New Delhi: The Centre’s initiative to transform land from closed coal mines into productive assets for environmental restoration, livelihood generation and economic development has received national recognition. The digital tool Suvikalp, developed by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) under the Ministry of Coal, has been honoured with the SKOCH Gold Award 2026.
The award was presented on September 26, 2026, in the Digital Operational Efficiency–Data-Driven Decision-Making category. The tool aims to make the selection of projects for repurposing closed coal mines more systematic and data-driven.
Digital Tool Evaluates Projects on Multiple Parameters
The Coal Controller Organisation developed Suvikalp as a digital decision-support tool for assessing potential uses of closed coal mines. It evaluates proposed projects against technical, environmental, social and economic parameters and helps determine their priorities.
The process is intended to identify suitable uses for land from closed mines while supporting environmental restoration, creating livelihood opportunities for local communities and encouraging regional economic development.
PRISM Model to Support Project Implementation
After a project has been selected, the PRISM (Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model) can be used to prepare a roadmap for its implementation.
The model provides information on project concepts, implementation approaches, examples, sample Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tender documents and agencies working in relevant sectors. These resources can help coal companies and other stakeholders plan projects and move towards implementation.
Twelve Webinars Conducted to Share Knowledge and Experiences
To promote scientific mine closure and the sustainable reuse of closed mining sites, the Coal Controller Organisation also organised the Suvikalp Samvad webinar series. A total of 12 thematic webinars were conducted, bringing together stakeholders to discuss practical approaches and best practices.
The sessions covered the RECLAIM and L.I.V.E.S. frameworks, the Suvikalp tool, the establishment of Project Management Units (PMUs), community participation, tourism and destination development, livelihood opportunities, financing models, innovative uses of water-filled abandoned mines, and national and international experiences.
The discussions were aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, sharing successful approaches and encouraging the development of practical projects for the reuse of closed coal mines.
Focus on Environmental Restoration and Local Economic Growth
According to the Ministry of Coal, these initiatives are helping move mine closure beyond regulatory compliance by linking it with environmental restoration, livelihood generation, community development and economic diversification.
The government’s objective is to transform closed coal mines from unused land into productive assets. Such efforts are expected to create new development opportunities in mining-affected areas and support long-term sustainable growth.
The SKOCH Gold Award recognises Suvikalp’s approach to using digital technology and data-driven decision-making to improve the planning and management of closed coal mines.
