How can the exhausted coal mines can be used?
Dhanbad Coal mines in India Introduction Coal mining, a practice essential to powering the world’s energy needs, comes in two main types: open-pit (or open-cast) and underground (or closed) mining. These methods of coal extraction have left vast expanses of land transformed by mining activities, and as coal reserves deplete, many mines are eventually exhausted. However, these sites present opportunities for repurposing, particularly for renewable energy projects like pumped hydro storage, which can play a significant role in maintaining energy balance as we transition away from fossil fuels. Globally, coal mining has a significant footprint. As of 2024, 29 countries are actively involved in coal mining, with India being one of the leading producers. However, many mines across these regions have reached the end of their productive lives, resulting in either closures or abandonment. These exhausted mines pose environmental challenges but also provide a unique opportunity for sustainable