The Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET) (Ashoka University) has initiated the 'Trans-Mine project' to aid mining communities in India toward sustainable futures amidst the nation's shift towards net-zero emissions. The project aims at developing “community-centric” mine closure plans that will focus on the impacted people/community– their lives and livelihoods, repurposing the mining land and other assets as well as on environmental remediation. It emphasizes community-specific strategies to ensure economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in transitioning away from coal mining, aligning with India's commitment to balanced energy transition, economic growth, and social equity.

As part of the initial phase of the project, ACPET has forged a strategic partnership with Athena Infonomics to orchestrate a comprehensive 'Study to Understand the Impact of Coal Mine Closure and the Transition of Mining Communities towards Sustainable Lives and Livelihoods.'

This was an extensive research undertaking which catered to questions related to the impact of mine closure on direct and indirect dependents of these a discontinued mine in the Palamu district of Jharkhand, evaluating community response and coping behaviour for their lives and livelihoods beyond the dependence of a coal mining-based local economy, aspirations for development including earning opportunities and careers, the structure set to support this community, the systems and governing structure in place, and potential approaches or interventions to mitigate the negative impact.

The findings from the study would help ACPET in designing a program to improve the lives and livelihood of the community members residing in the identified zone.

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To know more about the project, reach out to Trapti Malviya.

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