About

• Rat hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams. This practice is prevalent in Meghalaya. 
• The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.
• Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. 
• The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

Concerns

• Rat hole mining poses significant safety and environmental hazards. The mines are typically unregulated, lacking safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers. 
• The mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
• This method of mining has faced severe criticism due to its hazardous working conditions, and numerous accidents leading to injuries and fatalities. 
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice in 2015, but it continues to persist due to the absence of viable alternative livelihoods for the local population.