Shillong : Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and MDA government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla on Tuesday expressed optimism that the state is moving closer to a solution for small-scale mining, following what he described as positive discussions with the Central Government.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said advances in technology have made scientific mining a practical and sustainable option.
“If you had asked me 10 to 15 years ago, I might have said no. But with present-day technology, there is definitely a possibility of exploring scientific mining,” he said.
The minister thanked Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for taking up the concerns of miners, particularly those in Jaintia Hills, who have been demanding a solution to revive their livelihoods.
Referring to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) restrictions, Shylla said the government had earlier succeeded in getting the mining ban lifted, although rat-hole mining remains prohibited. He noted that several miners have already secured mining plans and resumed operations under the scientific mining framework.
However, he pointed out that most mining areas in Meghalaya consist of small landholdings, making it difficult for miners to meet the existing eligibility requirements. This challenge, he said, led to large-scale protests last month demanding permission for small-scale mining.
Shylla revealed that the issue was presented to the Centre during Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s recent visit to New Delhi.
“I was happy to hear from the Chief Minister that the meeting was very positive and that the Union Minister appreciated the proposal and agreed to explore it,” he said.
Expressing confidence, Shylla said the process is progressing smoothly and hoped the state would soon arrive at a practical solution that benefits small-scale miners across Meghalaya.