SAIL’s decision to close the 109-year-old Jeetpur coal mine in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, has brought an end to an era. The closure, officially announced via a notice from General Manager Manish Kumar, was prompted by safety issues. The mine was already non-operational since April 23, 2024, but full services were suspended from Tuesday. The primary reason for the closure is the water ingress from the adjacent Jamadoba 6/7 pits and 2 pits collieries, owned by Tata Steel, that are also shut down. As per DGMS and SINFAR directives, the SAIL board had already instructed to halt the presence of workers at Jeetpur mine from April 24, 2024. Approximately 145 employees face the prospect of relocation. The closure will affect the local economy in the areas of Nonikdih, Jeetpur, and the Jamadoba market. The mine had been a consistent producer of steel-grade coal since its establishment.
