Sustainable Coal Mining and Electricity Generation: With Special Reference to Dahanu Thermal Power Station

Abstract

Mining Industry is often tagged as a polluting sector since it involves since it involves extensive resource exploitation by unsustainable methods. The techniques involved in mining cause tremendous destruction to the environment and health of people living in nearby areas. There is a growing consensus on sustainable and efficient mineral development which will avoid the clash between economic and environmental interests. Deployment of advanced and sustainable technological solutions in the entire mining process, fixing the gaps in its regulatory mechanisms and learning from the successes of specific domestic and international mining operations are certain solutions that have the capacity this sector more productive. The paper provides insights into the problems of mining sector and possible solutions to overcome these problems. It also provides examples of certain best practices adopted by mining corporations for sustainable coal mining. The paper also explores various methods and technologies which can be adopted by Thermal Power Plants to reduce their emissions and simultaneously conserve environment. An empirical study of Dahanu Thermal Power Station located in state of Maharashtra of India has been undertaken for this purpose to study the modern technologies adopted by them to lower their emission levels.