Shillong, Jan 31: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Thursday that the central government has signed agreements with three coal miners to begin scientific coal mining in at least two districts of the state, ending a 10-year hiatus.

This move follows a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on unscientific “rat-hole mining” and coal transportation in the state. Although the Supreme Court had previously allowed the transportation of coal already mined, the new agreements pave the way for regulated mining activities to resume.

Sangma hailed the signing of escrow agreements as a significant step, supporting coal miners in overcoming the NGT ban and ensuring the continuation of mining under scientific and sustainable practices.