Dr Jitendra Singh hails landmark mine closure policy as key to India's circular economy shift

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, described India's mine closure initiative as a landmark in its transition towards a circular economy. The Ministry of Coal organised an event to release 'AAROH- Annual Report on Mine Closure' and announced several initiatives related to coal mine closure. These include the virtual inauguration of Coal NEER Plants and the signing of an Implementation Agreement between the Ministry of Coal and GIZ for technical cooperation on closed coal mines.

Reported by 2 sources

PIB →PIB →

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01India is redefining the concept of mine closure by transforming exhausted mines into new centres of wealth creation, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods.
02The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, described scientific mine closure as a landmark initiative in India's transition towards a circular economy.
03Scientific mine closure simultaneously advances several national priorities, including waste-to-wealth, resource efficiency, environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and community development.
04The Indian government has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2070, with responsible utilisation and regeneration of natural resources becoming equally important pillars of sustainable development.
05Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of innovation-led governance is being implemented through scientific mine closure, which converts environmental responsibility into an instrument of economic growth and social empowerment.
06Mine closure is no longer viewed as the end of economic activity but as the beginning of a new development journey that serves both people and the planet.
07The Ministry of Coal has released 'AAROH- Annual Report on Mine Closure', highlighting the progress made in scientific mine closure initiatives across India.

Trap alerts

Most people think mine closure is only about environmental conservation, but actually it's also a key driver of economic growth and social empowerment.
Most people think Net Zero target is only for carbon emissions, but actually it includes responsible utilisation and regeneration of all natural resources.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

What is the goal of India's mine closure initiative?

A.To achieve Net Zero by 2050
B.To transform exhausted mines into new centres of wealth creation, environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
C.To increase coal production
D.To reduce greenhouse gas emissions

India's mine closure initiative aims to transform exhausted mines into new centres of wealth creation, environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods. This is a key aspect of the country's transition towards a circular economy.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding Mine Closure Initiative: 1. The Ministry of Coal is responsible for implementing the AAROH initiative. 2. India aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050. 3. Dr. Jitendra Singh is the Union Minister for Coal and Mines. How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None

Statement-1 is correct because the Ministry of Coal is responsible for implementing the AAROH initiative (FACT #6). Statement-2 is incorrect because India aims to achieve Net Zero by 2070 (FACT #7), not 2050. Statement-3 is incorrect because Dr. Jitendra Singh is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, but not the Union Minister for Coal and Mines (FACT #2).

← All current affairs