Content:
- Carbon Emissions in Mining Operations
- National Quantum Mission: India’s Quantum Leap
Carbon Emissions in Mining Operations
India’s Ministry of Coal is actively promoting sustainable coal mining practices to reduce carbon footprints and align with global and national climate goals. The initiatives focus on environmental reclamation, energy efficiency, mechanization, renewable energy adoption, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Greening Initiatives – Bio-Reclamation & Plantation
- Coal/Lignite PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) are engaged in afforestation and land reclamation in and around mining areas.
- Efforts are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of coal extraction by restoring mined-out land.
- This contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
Energy Efficiency Measures
- Coal/Lignite PSUs are implementing multiple energy conservation strategies to reduce carbon intensity:
- Lighting: Replacement of conventional bulbs with LED lights to reduce electricity consumption.
- Cooling & Ventilation: Installation of energy-efficient air conditioners, super fans, and efficient water heaters.
- Electrification: Deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in mining areas to reduce diesel dependence.
- Pumping & Street Lighting: Use of energy-efficient motors for pumps, auto-timers for streetlights, and smart grid integration.
- These measures collectively enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions from coal mining operations.
Green Credit Programme
- Coal PSUs are participating in the Green Credit Programme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
- Encourages afforestation efforts by linking them to carbon credit mechanisms.
- Provides incentives for sustainable land use and tree plantation in mining areas.
First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects
- FMC projects aim to modernize and mechanize coal transportation from mines to dispatch points.
- Key benefits include:
- Reduction in diesel-based transport, thereby lowering carbon emissions.
- Increased reliance on conveyors, silos, and railway sidings for coal movement.
- Minimization of air pollution caused by road-based coal transportation.
- These projects contribute to achieving low-carbon logistics and cleaner supply chains.
Deployment of Blast-Free Technology in Coal Mining
- Traditional coal mining involves drilling, blasting, and crushing, leading to dust, noise, and air pollution.
- To address this, Coal PSUs are adopting modern mining equipment with eco-friendly features:
- Surface Miner & Continuous Miner: Eliminates the need for blasting and reduces dust emissions.
- Highwall Mining & Longwall Mining: Enables extraction with minimal surface disruption.
- Ripplers: Used for overburden removal without blasting, reducing environmental hazards.
- These technologies enhance worker safety while minimizing ecological disturbances.
Renewable Energy & Clean Coal Initiatives
- Coal PSUs are diversifying energy production by integrating renewable energy projects:
- Solar power plants in de-coaled areas.
- Wind energy projects in coal belt regions.
- Clean coal technologies being promoted include:
- Coal Gasification: Converts coal into syngas for cleaner industrial use.
- Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Extraction: Harnesses methane trapped in coal seams to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- These initiatives align with India’s transition towards low-emission coal utilization.
Environmental Compliance & Carbon Footprint Reduction
- Sustainable coal production is ensured through strict adherence to environmental regulations:
- Environmental Clearance (EC) & Forest Clearance (FC) for new mining projects.
- Consent to Operate (CTO) & Consent to Establish (CTE) from pollution control boards.
- Steps taken to mitigate environmental impact:
- Use of Surface Miners, Continuous Miners, and Highwall Mining to minimize land degradation.
- Expansion of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) to reduce emissions from coal transport.
- Rehabilitation of mined-out lands through reclamation, eco-restoration, and afforestation.
- Mine Tourism & Eco-Parks: Promoting sustainable reuse of mined-out lands for ecological and community benefits.
- Repurposing of de-coaled areas for renewable energy installations and agriculture.
Gaps & Challenges in Environmental Monitoring
- Lack of specific guidelines for reviewing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports with respect to carbon emissions.
- No mandatory frequency set for coal companies to assess their carbon footprint and update mitigation strategies.
- Need for continuous monitoring and independent audits to evaluate emission reduction progress.
Conclusion
- The Ministry of Coal’s initiatives reflect India’s commitment to sustainable coal mining while balancing energy security and environmental responsibility.
- However, more structured guidelines for carbon footprint assessment and impact monitoring are required.
- Expanding green coal technologies and strict enforcement of compliance measures will be crucial in achieving India’s Panchamrit & NDC goals.
National Quantum Mission: India’s Quantum Leap
Quantum technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to revolutionize computing, cryptography, and sensing. It has the potential to enhance secure communication, ultra-fast computations, and precision measurements across various industries.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Strategic Significance of NQM
- Technological Leap: Aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technologies, competing with nations like the USA, China, and EU countries.
- National Security: Enhances cybersecurity through quantum-safe encryption, crucial for defense, banking, and data protection.
- Economic Impact: Drives innovation in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and finance, fostering new job opportunities.
Key Features of NQM
- Budget & Duration: ₹6,003.65 crore allocated for 2023-2031, reflecting long-term commitment.
- Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): Four hubs in IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi focusing on different quantum domains.
- Quantum Computing Roadmap: Targets development of quantum computers with increasing qubits over 3, 5, and 8 years.
- Quantum-Secured Communication: Plans for satellite-based quantum communication over 2000 km and inter-city QKD networks.
- Quantum Materials & Devices: Focus on superconductors, novel semiconductors, and topological materials to advance computing and sensing applications.
Implementation Strategy
- Hub-Spoke-Spike Model: Encourages collaboration among research institutions, industry, and startups to accelerate innovation.
- Government & Institutional Support: Led by PMSTIAC, with involvement from DRDO, C-DOT, and SETS for quantum security applications.
- Women in STEM: Actively promotes the participation of women scientists in quantum research.
Global Competitiveness & Strategic Impact
- Quantum Race: Strengthens India’s position in the global quantum landscape alongside USA, China, and Europe.
- Sectoral Impact: Enhances drug discovery, climate modeling, secure financial transactions, and military communications.
- Alignment with National Programs: Supports initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Challenges & Way Forward
- Skilled Workforce Requirement: Need for specialized training programs to build expertise in quantum physics, computing, and cryptography.
- Infrastructure Development: High-cost investments required for quantum labs, computing infrastructure, and secure communication networks.
- Industry Collaboration: Stronger partnerships with startups, global firms, and academia needed for commercialization of quantum technologies.
- Global Cooperation: India must engage in international collaborations for knowledge exchange and access to advanced quantum research.
Conclusion
The National Quantum Mission is a transformative initiative that will shape India’s technological future. With a structured approach, strategic investments, and industry-academia collaboration, India has the potential to emerge as a quantum technology powerhouse. However, addressing infrastructure and talent gaps will be crucial for its successful implementation.
