In a significant shift, India's coal industry is increasingly being viewed not just as an energy provider, but also as a potential source of clean water for communities facing water scarcity. This transformation involves repurposing treated mine water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial applications, addressing both environmental concerns and water needs.

The Scale of the Opportunity

India, one of the world's largest coal producers, relies heavily on coal for energy generation. However, coal mining can lead to deforestation, air and water pollution, and displacement of communities. Mining activities often involve the extraction of groundwater, which can deplete local water sources. Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Coal has been encouraging Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to utilize treated mine water on a large scale.

A study by the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), a subsidiary of CIL, has identified 437 vacant coal mines with the potential to store water. These mines could provide approximately 2,076 million kilolitres of water annually. Unlike mine water in many Western countries, the water from most Indian coal mines is suitable for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use with only moderate treatment.

From Mines to Homes and Fields

Treated mine water is now being used for various purposes across coal and lignite mining areas. This initiative adheres to environmental guidelines and promotes responsible resource reuse. The treated water undergoes multi-stage processing, including sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to meet quality standards set by BIS (IS 10500:2012) and the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). Regular testing by accredited laboratories ensures water safety and public health.

In fiscal year 2024-25 (up to February 2025), coal and lignite PSUs supplied approximately 3963 Lakh Kilo Liters (LKL) of treated mine water for domestic and irrigation use to local communities. The Ministry of Coal has set a target to rejuvenate and establish at least 500 water bodies in coal and lignite mining areas by 2029. This project aligns with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, a government initiative for water conservation.

Success Stories

Several initiatives demonstrate the positive impact of utilizing mine water:

• In Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, a reverse osmosis filter plant provides safe drinking water to nearby villages.
• In Shahdol and Anuppur districts of Madhya Pradesh, underground seepage water from mines is channeled into the Sarafa River for agricultural purposes.
• Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) supplies treated mine water to Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited, freeing up water from the Irrigation Department for domestic and irrigation purposes.
• Abandoned coal mines are becoming a vital new source of water for India's water-stressed regions.

Challenges and Considerations

While the reuse of mine water presents a significant opportunity, challenges remain. Coal mining activities can contaminate water bodies with heavy metals and acids. Untreated water from coal treatment plants can pollute natural surface drainage and other water resources. Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a common pollution problem associated with coal mines, resulting in low pH and high concentrations of heavy metals. Therefore, proper treatment and monitoring are crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of mine water utilization.

Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the depletion of groundwater due to coal mining. As India expands its coal mining, it is essential to implement measures to mitigate the negative impacts on water resources. This includes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and efficient water management practices.

The Path Forward

The initiative to repurpose mine water reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable practices in the coal industry. By transforming a potential environmental liability into a valuable resource, India is taking steps towards water security and community development. The success of this endeavor depends on continued investment in treatment infrastructure, strict quality control, and collaboration between government, industry, and local communities. As Union Coal Minister, G Kishan Reddy, recently 'committed' that mine closure activities will be more systematic and the water in these voids will be utilised, that too in mission mode in the next few years.