The Ministry of Coal on October 07, 2026, issued the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2026, to further amend the Colliery Control Rules, 2004.
The following has been amended, namely:
• The amendment introduces definitions for Assistant Coal Superintendent Grade-I and Grade-II, Coal Superintendent, Deputy Coal Controller, Mine Closure, Mine Closure Plan, Mining Plan, Regional Head and Surveyor. It inserts Rule 2A to empower the Coal Controller to prescribe the powers, functions, and territorial jurisdiction of subordinate officers, and Rules 9A, 9B, and 9C to designate competent authorities for mining-plan compliance, prohibit mining operations contrary to approved mining plans, provide for corrective directions and suspension of operations for violations, and require annual declarations by the project proponent’s Board or colliery owner confirming compliance with the approved mining plan and applicable laws.
• The amendment also introduces a revision mechanism under Rule 17, allowing aggrieved persons to challenge orders under Rule 9B within 30 days before the Coal Controller or Deputy Coal Controller, as applicable, with provision for condonation of delay, suspension of orders, hearings and a ₹10,000 application fee.
• Comments/suggestions on the draft amendment to the rules are invited by November 12, 2026 (Thursday).
[Notification No. - G.S.R. 865(E)]
