Rat-hole Mining: A Dangerous and Illegal Practice
Rat-hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya, India. It is a dangerous and illegal practice that has claimed the lives of hundreds of workers.
In rat-hole mining, miners crawl or squeeze through narrow tunnels, often only a few feet high and wide, to reach the coal seams. These tunnels are often unstable and prone to collapse, trapping miners inside. In addition, the coal dust in the tunnels is highly combustible, creating a risk of explosions.
Rat-hole mining is also a major cause of deforestation in Meghalaya. The forests are cleared to access the coal seams, and the tunnels themselves damage the environment.
The Indian government has banned rat-hole mining, but the practice continues to persist, driven by the high demand for coal in India. In 2019, a massive collapse of a rat-hole mine in Meghalaya killed at least 150 miners, highlighting the dangers of this illegal practice.
The government has also been criticized for its slow response to the disaster. In 2022, a new coal mining ordinance was passed by the Indian government, but it did not address the specific problems of rat-hole mining.
Here are some of the dangers of rat-hole mining:
- Collapses: Miners are often trapped or killed when tunnels collapse.
- Explosions: Coal dust is highly combustible, and explosions can occur easily.
- Asphyxiation: Miners can suffocate from lack of oxygen in the tunnels.
- Deforestation: Rat-hole mining destroys forests and leads to soil erosion.
What can be done to stop rat-hole mining?
Enforce the ban on rat-hole mining: The Indian government needs to enforce the ban on rat-hole mining and prosecute those who break the law.
Provide alternative livelihood options: Miners need to be provided with alternative livelihoods, so they are not forced to turn to rat-hole mining.
Support community development: Investing in community development can help to reduce the appeal of rat-hole mining.
It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of rat-hole mining and to push for a ban on this illegal practice.
News post on the above topics
