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Local
Meghalaya’s Small Miners Face 12‑Year‑Old Ban, Long Road Ahead
✍️ Hub News
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 09:33 AM
👁 19
The ban on small‑scale mining in Meghalaya, imposed 12 years ago, remains in force, leaving local miners to navigate a difficult path back to work.
The state of Meghalaya continues to enforce a ban on small‑scale mining that was imposed 12 years ago, a decision that has kept local miners out of the workforce.
The prohibition, introduced to curb environmental damage and illegal mining practices, has left many families dependent on the trade without a livelihood.
Miners and community leaders are now seeking a pathway to resume operations, arguing that regulated small mining could provide economic benefits while protecting the environment.
State officials have indicated that any move to lift the ban would require stringent safeguards and clear guidelines to prevent past abuses.
The situation remains a pressing issue for Meghalaya’s rural economy, with stakeholders awaiting a definitive policy decision.
The prohibition, introduced to curb environmental damage and illegal mining practices, has left many families dependent on the trade without a livelihood.
Miners and community leaders are now seeking a pathway to resume operations, arguing that regulated small mining could provide economic benefits while protecting the environment.
State officials have indicated that any move to lift the ban would require stringent safeguards and clear guidelines to prevent past abuses.
The situation remains a pressing issue for Meghalaya’s rural economy, with stakeholders awaiting a definitive policy decision.