Innovative SUVIKALP Tool Enhances Mine Repurposing in India
The closure of mines is an essential phase in the mining lifecycle, but the responsibilities towards mining regions extend far beyond the end of extraction activities. With a vision for sustainable post-mining development, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), operating under India’s Ministry of Coal, has unveiled an advanced digital decision-support platform called SUVIKALP – Mine Repurposing Tool. This innovative tool is designed to support effective land use and environmental restoration in alignment with the Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mine, 2025.
Transforming Post-Mining Land Use
SUVIKALP aims to create a comprehensive and standardized framework for identifying suitable post-mining land-use options. It tackles common challenges in the mine repurposing process, including fragmented assessments, independent evaluations of various parameters, and the usual exclusion of community needs.
A Data-Driven Approach
The platform integrates essential information, including geo-mining characteristics, environmental conditions, and socio-economic factors, enabling users to develop thorough site profiles tailored to specific mines. This systematic approach ensures that repurposing options are evaluated based on individual site characteristics rather than subjective opinions.
SUVIKALP utilizes a sophisticated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology based on the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) model. This method allows stakeholders to objectively compare potential repurposing alternatives, resulting in transparent, evidence-based guidance for informed decision-making.
Incorporating Community Voices
Recognizing the importance of community input, SUVIKALP features the RECLAIM – Community Engagement and Development Framework. This framework ensures that local priorities shape project evaluations alongside technical and economic considerations, addressing employment, infrastructure, and long-term development needs for communities affected by mining.
From Planning to Implementation
A key aspect of SUVIKALP is the PRISM (Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategic Model) feature, which helps stakeholders navigate the complexities of implementing repurposing projects. PRISM outlines strategies for project execution, investment requirements, and monitoring, complimented by a comprehensive repository of resources, including case studies and best practices.
Looking Ahead: Expanding SUVIKALP’s Reach
Moving forward, the CCO aims to broaden the adoption of SUVIKALP across abandoned coal and lignite mines. The focus will be on transforming recommendations into actionable feasibility studies, strengthening collaboration between industry, government, and experts, and mobilizing investments for viable repurposing initiatives.
Through ongoing knowledge sharing and capacity building, SUVIKALP seeks to assure comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of environmental, economic, and community impacts. This initiative not only promotes sustainable practices in mine repurposing but also aspires to reshape the legacy of mining—from mere resource extraction to broader community and ecological restoration.
