Notice of Abandonment, Closure, or Discontinuance: Simplified and Detailed Explanation
1. General Requirement for Notice
When it is planned to:
- Abandon or close a mine/seam, or
- Discontinue workings for a period exceeding 60 days,
The owner, agent, or manager must:
- Submit a notice in the specified Form and method (defined by the Chief Inspector).
- Notify the following authorities at least 30 days in advance:
- Chief Inspector
- Regional Inspector
- District Magistrate
The notice should include:
- The reasons for abandonment, closure, or discontinuance.
- The number of persons likely to be affected.
2. Unforeseen Circumstances
If unforeseen circumstances lead to:
- A sudden abandonment, closure, or discontinuance, or
- Discontinuance that unintentionally extends beyond 60 days,
Then, the notice must be submitted immediately (forthwith) to the authorities listed above.
3. Special Provisions for Belowground Workings Under Critical Properties
If the workings belowground are located under:
- Any Government or local authority property,
- A railway, or
- Any building or permanent structure not owned by the mine’s owner,
The owner, agent, or manager must:
- Provide notice of intent to abandon, close, or discontinue such workings.
- Submit this notice at least 30 days in advance to:
- Chief Inspector
- Regional Inspector
4. Post-Abandonment or Closure Notice
When a mine, seam, or working is:
- Abandoned,
- Closed, or
- Discontinued for a period exceeding 60 days,
The owner, agent, or manager must:
- Submit a follow-up notice within 7 days of the event or the end of the discontinuance period.
- This notice must also be sent to:
- Chief Inspector
- Regional Inspector
- District Magistrate
Key Points to Remember
| Scenario | Notice Deadline | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Planned abandonment, closure, or discontinuance (60+ days) | At least 30 days before the event | Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, District Magistrate |
| Unforeseen abandonment or closure | Immediately (as soon as it occurs) | Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, District Magistrate |
| Abandonment under critical properties | At least 30 days before the event | Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector |
| Post-abandonment or closure follow-up | Within 7 days of the event or discontinuance | Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, District Magistrate |
This process ensures transparency, safety, and timely communication with relevant authorities to address the impact of mine abandonment, closure, or discontinuance.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the minimum notice period required before abandoning, closing, or discontinuing a mine or seam for more than 60 days (if planned in advance)?
A. 7 days
B. 15 days
C. 30 days
D. 60 days
Answer: C. 30 days
2. Who should be notified before the abandonment, closure, or discontinuance of a mine?
A. Chief Inspector and Mine Workers
B. Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, and District Magistrate
C. Regional Inspector and Mine Owners
D. Chief Inspector, Local Authority, and Mine Manager
Answer: B. Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, and District Magistrate
3. What should the notice for planned abandonment include?
A. Estimated reopening date and financial report
B. Reasons for abandonment and number of affected persons
C. Inspection schedule and future operation plans
D. Safety equipment status and evacuation plans
Answer: B. Reasons for abandonment and number of affected persons
4. When must a notice be given in case of unforeseen abandonment, closure, or discontinuance extending beyond 60 days?
A. Within 7 days of the event
B. Immediately (forthwith)
C. At least 30 days before the event
D. After consulting the District Magistrate
Answer: B. Immediately (forthwith)
5. If workings belowground are situated under a government property or railway, when must the notice of abandonment or closure be given?
A. 60 days in advance
B. 30 days in advance
C. 15 days in advance
D. 7 days after the event
Answer: B. 30 days in advance
6. What is the deadline for submitting a follow-up notice after a mine is abandoned, closed, or discontinued for more than 60 days?
A. Within 3 days
B. Within 7 days
C. Within 15 days
D. Within 30 days
Answer: B. Within 7 days
7. To whom must the follow-up notice of abandonment, closure, or discontinuance be sent?
A. Chief Inspector only
B. Regional Inspector only
C. Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, and District Magistrate
D. District Magistrate and Mine Owners
Answer: C. Chief Inspector, Regional Inspector, and District Magistrate
8. What is the primary reason for submitting notices of abandonment or closure to authorities?
A. To ensure safety and transparency
B. To confirm tax filings
C. To inform workers of vacation plans
D. To seek permission to restart operations
Answer: A. To ensure safety and transparency
