Draft Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2026 — mining-plan compliance and suspension (G.S.R. 865(E))

Summary

Published by the Ministry of Coal as G.S.R. 865(E), dated 1 October 2026, for 30 days of public comment. The draft adds definitions (Coal Superintendent, Deputy Coal Controller, Regional Head, Surveyor, mine closure, mine closure plan, mining plan) and a rule 2A on the jurisdiction of the Coal Controller's officers. New rule 9A makes the Coal Controller, or an officer authorised by the Coal Controller, the competent authority on compliance with the mining plan, except on matters governed by DGMS or other statutory regulators. Rule 9B bars mining operations except in accordance with the approved mining plan: the authority may direct a violation to be rectified, then issue a 15-day show-cause notice and suspend all or part of the operations — at once where public safety, the environment or imminent harm require it. Rule 9C requires the company Board (or the owner, if not a company) to file an annual declaration that all mining was carried out as per the approved mining plan and all applicable laws. A new rule 17 allows revision of rule 9B orders within 30 days, with a fee of ₹10,000. IMPORTANT: this is a DRAFT and is NOT in force.