Development of a framework for sustainable improvement in performance of coal mining operations

India is a developing country, where boosting of modern energy supply is the primary requirement for economic growth. About two-thirds of this energy is fulfilled with coal alone, thereby increasing the demand for coal steadily. As a result, the coal mining industry has experienced an incredible growth, which causes severe environmental and social damage. Based on the analysis of socio-environmental impact, this study has developed a framework for sustainable improvement in performance of coal mining operations using an integrated approach of interpretative structural modelling and fuzzy MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts Croises-Multipication Applique’ and Classment) analysis. To develop the framework, the contextual relationship among the parameters has been defined by discussions with experts from industry and academics. It presents a control sequence from leading to lagging parameters of coal mining showing the strength of relationship on the connecting links. In this study, “Research and technical development” and “employees training and welfare” are found to be the primary leading parameters that directly or indirectly influence all the remaining parameters of the system. Therefore, the control measures should be applied first on these parameters. Conversely “health quality” is found to be the lagging parameter which has very little or no impact on the system. The final model has been verified by the industry experts. Outcomes of this framework can help the decision-makers of coal mining industry in policy development for sustainable improvement in performance of coal mining operations. The framework can also be used as a tool to manage the parameters of coal mining and other similar types of industries as well.

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