Published Paper Details:

Opencast coal mining plays a crucial role in meeting India's growing energy demand, contributing more than 70% of domestic coal production. Despite its economic importance, opencast mining generates substantial environmental challenges, particularly dust and noise pollution, which adversely affect ecosystems, mine workers, and nearby communities. Dust emissions originate from drilling, blasting, excavation, haul road transportation, crushing, and coal handling operations, while noise pollution arises from heavy machinery, blasting activities, transportation systems, and processing plants. The cumulative effects of these pollutants include respiratory diseases, hearing impairment, ecological degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and deterioration of community well-being. This systematic review critically examines the current state of knowledge regarding dust and noise pollution in Indian opencast coal mines, evaluates existing control technologies, and assesses reclamation strategies aimed at environmental restoration. Literature published between 2010 and 2026 was systematically reviewed using major scientific databases and government reports following PRISMA guidelines. The review identifies water spraying systems, chemical dust suppressants, green belts, enclosure technologies, acoustic barriers, equipment maintenance, and controlled blasting as the most widely implemented mitigation approaches. However, their effectiveness varies considerably under Indian climatic and operational conditions. The study further highlights successful reclamation initiatives undertaken by Coal India Limited (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), emphasizing afforestation, mine spoil stabilization, and ecosystem restoration. Regulatory frameworks established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have improved environmental management but face implementation challenges. The review concludes by identifying technological gaps, recommending AI-enabled monitoring systems, and advocating integrated environmental management approaches for sustainable mining practices in India.