Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Why in News:
- Rescue operations in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara-Barkot tunnel are considering rat-hole mining due to challenges with machine drilling.
Rat-Hole Mining:
- Definition: A technique used to extract coal from narrow, horizontal seams, named for the small-sized pits resembling rat holes.
- Process: Miners descend into these pits, often just wide enough for one person, using ropes or ladders. Coal is manually extracted with basic tools like pickaxes.
Safety and Environmental Concerns:
- Hazards: Lack of regulation and safety measures, including proper ventilation and structural support.
- Environmental Impact: Causes land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
- Criticism: Known for hazardous working conditions and environmental damage. Accidents often result in injuries and fatalities.
Legal Status:
- Ban by NGT: Banned in 2014 due to safety and environmental concerns, particularly in Meghalaya.
- State Appeal: Meghalaya government appealed the ban in the Supreme Court.
Application in Rescue Operation:
- Expertise Utilized: Experienced rat-hole miners from Jhansi are aiding in the rescue by manually digging through debris.
- Challenges: The process can be time-consuming, especially if rocks are present in the debris.
