India's First Mining Tourism Project To Be Launched In Jharkhand, Including Mine Tours And More

In a unique move to diversify tourism opportunities and spotlight its local industrial heritage, Jharkhand plans to become the first Indian state to introduce mining tourism. This initiative was announced by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. It was reportedly inspired by his recent visit to the Gava Museum of Mines in Barcelona, where he came across ancient mining techniques and relics from the Neolithic era. This mining tourism project marks a pioneering step in opening up the once-exclusive mining sector to curious travellers, students, and the general public.

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Jharkhand is home to approximately 40 per cent of India's total mineral wealth. Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar noted, "Jharkhand has been known as a mining state. We have taken the first step towards mining tourism in the state with CCL. Now, the mining sector is open for tourists, common men and educational groups." The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India, to kick-start the project formally. The Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) will oversee operations, with support from CCL and other stakeholders.

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The first phase of the project will begin with a pilot tour to the North Urimari (Birsa) open-cast coal mine located in Ramgarh district. Two tour routes have been designed for visitors:

1. Rajrappa Route

• Cost per person: Rs 2,800 + GST
• Includes stops at the Chinnamastika temple and the scenic Patratu valley.

2. Patratu Route

• Cost per person: Rs 2,500 + GST
• Includes a visit to Paryatan Vihar before heading to the mine.

Each tour will include lunch and be operated twice a week, accommodating 10 to 20 people per group. Apart from offering a close look at modern mining operations, the tours seem to be designed to introduce visitors to nearby cultural and natural landmarks too. The government also plans to develop a second mining tourism circuit in collaboration with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), further expanding the network of accessible sites. As per reports, the government plans to establish three mining tourism circuits: Eco-Mining Circuit-1, Eco-Mining Circuit-2, and a religious circuit. These initiatives aim to not only boost tourism but also increase employment and economic activity while strengthening cultural identity.

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JTDC Managing Director Prem Ranjan stated that it's too early to estimate potential revenue. The project is being viewed as a long-term investment in alternative tourism. Depending on the success and feedback from the pilot phase, more sites and routes may be introduced in the coming months. The long-term goal of the project is to turn Jharkhand's mining heritage into an immersive educational experience for a broad audience.