Socio‐economic impacts of mine closure: a case study using satellite imagery

Mine closure normally leaves an adverse impact on the environment and society that, if left unattended, may last for years to come. In India the Raniganj Coalfields of Coal India Limited may be facing severe social and ground stability problems as a result of numerous old, abandoned mines. Already subsidence has occurred in a number of places, such as the Salanpur, Baraboni and Jamuria areas of the Raniganj coal fields. The study presented here highlights the socio‐economic problems faced by the area. Using remote sensing techniques the authors have assessed the socio‐economic factors of the area and they recommend various remedial measures to overcome the adverse impacts of mine closure. Keywords: Mine closureSocial impactsRemote sensingGIS Acknowledgement The authors acknowledge Intergraph Inc. for extending necessary facilities at the Rolta Researc Laboratory in the Department of Mining Engineering, IIT Kharagpur