Coal India, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and Heartfulness Sign MoUs for Restoration of Closed Mines and Sustainable Livelihoods

New Delhi, July 03, 2025: Coal India Ltd. and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have signed separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Heartfulness Institute to support the ecological restoration and socio-economic repurposing of closed mining sites. The agreements were announced by the Ministry of Coal and Mines, Government of India, at a formal signing event held at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the headquarters of Heartfulness, near Hyderabad.

The MoUs are part of the RECLAIM initiative—a structured framework for community engagement and sustainable development during and after mine closures. The acronym RECLAIM stands for Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate, and Maintain, and is guided by international best practices, including those from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and IFC Performance Standards.

The collaboration will focus on restoring green cover, controlling hazardous gases, replenishing soil, and developing viable ecosystems at former mining sites. In addition to ecological objectives, the initiative aims to generate sustainable livelihoods for communities dependent on mining.

Speaking at the event, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Government of India, said, “We are committed to restoring the closed mine sites as it is time for us to give back to nature. The Govt. mandates mine closures in the most scientific and sustainable way and replenishes the mining sites with economic and environmental value across the country. Heartfulness’s meticulousness in creating a sustainable ecosystem is evident at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Heartfulness headquarters. By joining hands with them, we will do all we can do for restoration, repurposing, and long-term socio-economic growth by generating livelihoods.”

Revered Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, added, “It is an opportune moment for Heartfulness to give life to the closed mining sites. Since the extraction depletes the site of nature’s bounty, we should feel the responsibility in giving back to the best of our ability not only in terms of creating a viable ecosystem but also help create sustainable livelihoods in such regions across the country.”

The RECLAIM framework includes a suite of tools and field-tested methodologies customized for India, with a focus on gender inclusivity, representation of vulnerable groups, and integration with Panchayati Raj Institutions. It provides a step-by-step approach for community participation and sustainable transition during mine closure and post-closure phases.

The MoUs are expected to pave the way for transforming former mining sites into hubs of ecological renewal and socio-economic opportunity.