SUVIKALP to guide sustainable repurposing of abandoned mines through data-driven project ranking
The SUVIKALP platform uses data-driven assessment and TOPSIS-based ranking to identify suitable uses for closed and abandoned mines, integrating community priorities and project implementation guidance.
Aligned with the Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mine, 2025, the platform seeks to establish a scientific, transparent and standardised framework for post-mining land-use planning.
NEW DELHI: The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), under the Ministry of Coal, has developed SUVIKALP, a digital decision-support platform to help identify and evaluate productive uses for closed and abandoned coal and lignite mines.
Aligned with the Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mine, 2025, the platform seeks to establish a scientific, transparent and standardised framework for post-mining land-use planning. It brings together geological and mining characteristics, environmental conditions, infrastructure availability, resource constraints, financial considerations and socio-economic factors to assess potential repurposing options for individual mine sites.
The platform addresses challenges associated with fragmented assessments, evaluation of multiple parameters in isolation and limited integration of community priorities into conventional mine-repurposing decisions.
Data-driven assessment and project ranking
SUVIKALP employs a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology based on TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) to evaluate and rank potential repurposing options.
The methodology enables comparison of alternatives against multiple parameters, providing stakeholders with evidence-based recommendations. The assessment follows a structured process involving factor selection, generation of potential options, integration of community priorities, suitability assessment and final ranking.
Mine owners, project proponents and government agencies can use the platform to develop site profiles and assess potential uses based on individual mine characteristics and constraints, rather than relying exclusively on subjective assessments.
RECLAIM integrates community priorities
The platform incorporates RECLAIM, a Community Engagement and Development Framework, to bring the preferences and development priorities of communities in mining regions into the evaluation process.
The framework considers community preferences alongside technical feasibility, environmental suitability and economic factors. It is intended to help align proposed redevelopment initiatives with local requirements, including employment generation, livelihood opportunities, infrastructure development and long-term community benefits.
By integrating community perspectives into project evaluation, SUVIKALP seeks to connect mine closure and land repurposing with inclusive regional development.
PRISM supports the transition from planning to implementation
Another component of the platform is PRISM (Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategic Model), which extends the assessment process beyond identifying and ranking potential projects.
PRISM provides a structured approach to project vision, repurposing strategies, investment dynamics, strategic structuring and monitoring. It is supported by a knowledge repository containing project concept notes, national and international case studies, sample tender documents, details of implementation agencies and best-practice resources.
The repository is intended to help stakeholders understand the practical requirements for developing and executing projects, while facilitating knowledge sharing and informed planning.
Next phase focuses on wider adoption and implementation
The next phase of SUVIKALP will focus on expanding its adoption across closed and abandoned coal and lignite mines and strengthening the transition from recommendations to implementation.
The identified priorities include converting recommendations into site-specific feasibility studies, concept notes and detailed project reports; improving coordination among government, industry, experts and implementation agencies; mobilising investment and partnerships for viable projects; and strengthening knowledge and capacity building.
Monitoring and evaluation will also be important to track implementation and assess environmental, economic and community benefits.
SUVIKALP is envisaged as a scalable national knowledge and decision-support ecosystem that can adapt to diverse mining conditions and regional development priorities.
Its long-term effectiveness will depend on the successful implementation of identified projects and the benefits they deliver to mining communities. The initiative seeks to turn the legacy of mining into an opportunity for environmental restoration, economic diversification and sustainable regional development.
