With reference to Rat-Hole Mining, consider the following:
1. It is a traditional method of coal mining where narrow, vertical tunnels are dug to extract coal deposits.
2. It is commonly practiced in unregulated mining areas of Northeast India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

With reference to Rat-Hole Mining, consider the following:
1. It is a traditional method of coal mining where narrow, vertical tunnels are dug to extract coal deposits.
2. It is commonly practiced in unregulated mining areas of Northeast India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: Rat-hole mining involves narrow, vertical tunnels dug by miners to extract coal. It is a traditional, small-scale mining technique used primarily in Northeast India, especially in Meghalaya. It is dangerous and labor-intensive but still practiced illegally.

Statement 2 is correct: Rat-hole mining is widely used in Meghalaya and other parts of Northeast India due to its terrain and coal deposits. However, this method is highly unregulated, leading to environmental degradation and frequent mining accidents.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
With reference to Rat-Hole Mining, consider the following: 1. It is a traditional method of coal mining where narrow, vertical tunnels are dug to extract coal deposits. 2. It is commonly practiced in unregulated mining areas of Northeast India. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2