Mining Tourism Now in India

Underground treasures are ready to be rediscovered, not for extraction, but for experience

- VAISHALI DAR

Recently, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the country's first mining tourism initiative. While the state government inked a pact with Coal India arm Central Coalfields (CCL), the move comes after Soren recently visited the Gava Museum of Mines in Barcelona to see ancient mining techniques and relics from the Neolithic era.

The first phase of the project will begin soon with a pilot tour to the North Urimari (Birsa) open-cast coal mine located in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, with two tour routes for visitors. Each tour will be organised twice a week for a group of 10 to 20 people per group. What can one expect? It gives a closer look at modern mining operations and introduces visitors to nearby cultural and natural landmarks.

Since Jharkhand is endowed with rich mineral resources and is home to about 40% of the country's total minerals, the state aims to showcase its rich mineral heritage through such guided tours and cultural experiences. This initiative will not only diversify tourism, but also educate the public about mining practices and local history, promote alternative tourism, create employment opportunities and boost the economy.