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Source: The post is based on the article “What is rat-hole mining, being done to rescue trapped Uttarkashi tunnel workers” published in “Indian Express” on 28th November 2023
Why in the News?
Rescuers are planning to use ‘rat-hole’ mining to rescue 41 workers trapped inside the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand.
What is Rat Hole Mining?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it? | Rat hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams prevalent in Meghalaya. |
| Process of rat hole mining | 1) In this mining process, narrow pits are dug into the ground. 2) Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. 3) The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels and baskets. |
| Types | Side Cutting: Narrow tunnels are excavated into the hill slopes and workers enter these openings to locate the coal seam. |
| Box-cutting: In this, a rectangular opening is made and through that a vertical pit is dug. Once the coal seam is found, rat-hole-sized tunnels are dug horizontally through which workers can extract the coal. | |
| Concerns | 1) Environmental concerns: Mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation and water pollution. 2) Safety concerns: They lack safety measures such as proper ventilation or safety gear for the workers. There is also a risk of loss of lives either due to rat holes flooding or rat holes collapsing. 3) Social concern: Due to the small size of tunnel, they employ children as workers. |
| NGT on rat hole mining | The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned this practice in 2014 and retained the ban in 2015. The Meghalaya government then appealed the order in the Supreme Court. |
What is National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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