Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) is expanding tourist facilities at the North Urimari open-cast coal mine in Ramgarh district under its pioneering mining tourism initiative. The project, which offers visitors an opportunity to explore mining operations and understand the coal industry’s functioning, has attracted more than 3,000 visitors since its launch in July 2025.
The initiative aims to promote mining tourism while showcasing the industrial heritage of Jharkhand. New attractions, including an eco-park and a solar park, are being developed to enhance the visitor experience and demonstrate how mining areas can be transformed into environmentally sustainable spaces.
Two tour packages are available for visitors. The eco-mining tour costs Rs 2,500 plus GST per person, while the religious mining tour is priced at Rs 2,800 plus GST. The packages include round-trip transportation from a designated location, guided access to the site, safety equipment and refreshments. Tours are conducted in batches of 10 to 20 people on two days a week. Advance booking is mandatory through the official Jharkhand Tourism portal.
CCL Chief of Public Relations Alok Kumar Gupta said the company had also developed an eco-park at Piparwar to restore degraded mining land and create a green space for biodiversity conservation and public recreation. The reclaimed landscape features thousands of trees belonging to several species, including guava, jamun and jackfruit, alongside water bodies and other green spaces.
Gupta added that a 5 MW solar power plant had been established at Balkudra in the Barki-Sayal area of Ramgarh district. Executed through the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), the project is Coal India’s first solar power plant developed on a mined-out overburden dump.
The North Urimari site offers guided tours of terraced coal pits, heavy machinery, coal transportation and mining operations, including blasting activities where permitted. School students and trainees form a significant section of its visitors.
Although the project received a lukewarm response initially, interest has gradually increased, encouraging CCL to expand facilities and promote the destination further.
The idea gained momentum after Chief Minister Hemant Soren visited the Gava Mines in Barcelona in April 2025. During the visit, he learned about ancient mining techniques, explored Neolithic-era relics and visited the Gava Museum, where he observed how abandoned mines and land left vacant after mining activities could be put to productive use.
Inspired by the experience, Soren discussed the possibility of introducing mining tourism in India, particularly in Jharkhand, with senior Tourism Department officials. After consultations with CCL officials, North Urimari was identified as a suitable destination. Subsequently, the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with CCL to launch what has been described as India’s first mining tourism initiative.
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