Ritesh Shisode    
Women are recently entering the Jharkhand’s mining sector in a huge number, signalling a major shift in the mining sector which is mainly man-dominated, study also shows the rise in both the opencast and underground mine operations. According to the Directorate General of Mines safety (DGMS), In the last decade only a few in the tens number participation was seen while it rose to hundreds today. Meanwhile in the underground mines the participation is seen from null or entirely closed to female workers, to an increase after the uplifting of restrictions. 

The policy changes have given a chance to females to take charge in the country’s some of the most challenging mines environments in the technical, and operational role. Mining companies have also taken the policy changes positively with offering female centric policies and work hours better for the female health and safety, Pre-development training are also being launched in renowned organizations in the sector. Working women responded positively in the participation mentioning the shift has brought confidence and visibility.

Women shifting in a male-dominated industry

Fresh data from the Directorate General of Mines safety, which shows a huge jump in both the sector of mining; the opencast and the underground. Opencast mines saw women rising from 64 in 2020 to 442; underground mines rose from 20 to 178. The policy change led to technical and operational roles for women in the toughest and most challenging mining environment of the nation. Women in the sector say that shift in the policy has brought new confidence and visibility, particularly in various divisions. Female teams in the mines are operating alongside men in mining tasks. The women also handle technical aspects with positive responses from both the authorities and the men-force in the mining sector. 

Private Companies are also responding stronger and positively by rolling out stronger safety and infrastructure measures. Some Companies like the Tata Steel itself have taken steps for women safety and also launched an all-women shift at its iron ore mine in Noamundi, Jharkhand. Tata Steel is also working out on all women heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM), loaders, drills and more. Companies are also working on the academic syllabus that includes women so that more and more can contribute to sustainable development by offering economic empowerment and reducing poverty. 

Mining, environment and climate crisis in Jharkhand

The mining is not just an employment issue; it is also a climate issue. Mines transform the land or the landscape. It also degrades ecosystems, pollutes water, affects the forests which in return is going to affect the women who rely on forest resources, clean water, etc. Even as women benefit from paid employment, their communities especially in tribal Jharkhand face the environmental debt. Talking about the climate perspective in Jharkhand, Mining causes extensive ecological damage, including deforestation, water pollution, land degradation, and ecosystem disruption. Jharkhand lost about 400,000 hectares of forest cover. A decline has been linked to ramping mining. In the Damodar Valley coalfield, forest cover reportedly dropped from 65% to a mere 0.05%.

Focusing on the Unequal benefits between men and women

Mining expansion in Jharkhand brought a significant environmental degradation and socio-economic fallout, disproportionately affecting tribal communities, and forest dependent households. This all leads to an increase in day-to-day burden on women from nearby communities. Studies show women living in mining regions of Jharkhand show psychosocial stress, anxiety, and deterioration in social welfare. 

Despite the rise in women’s employment in mining, studies show that the mining sector, may it be the government or the private sector, still employs a very small proportion of local communities. A district level survey in mining zones showed that mining employed only ~7.8% of tribal workers, while the majority depended on agriculture, and allied activities. In many tribal and mineral rich districts, female literacy especially among Scheduled Tribes (ST) has been extremely low. Also Women who get hired mostly non-tribal or those with access training are employed while the wages are still a factor, without a steady income.

Climate sensitive Mining Policy and gender aware

The TERI’s 2023 framework called the “just transition” approach in coal-mining regions is getting more and more attention and is usable as of now, the approach combines three justices called: procedural justice, distributive justice, and restorative justice. The framework emphasizes development by involving affected communities, tribals, mining companies and authorities in decisions. The Just Transition approach also involves land reclamation converting closed mines into environmentally useful spaces rather than leaving them abandoned. It also focuses on gender sensitive development components. 

As women are finally entering the mines. Now it is time for mining to enter a new phase as a gender aware, climate sensitive mining policy is no longer optional but it is the only path to ensuring empowerment and a climate resilient future. The question is not whether women can work in mines, as they clearly can. The question is whether India can build a mining future that protects the land, the climate and the women who hold their communities together. 

Just transition or just displacement? Uncertainty for Women in Jharkhand

Even as women in Jharkhand begin to enter mines, another shift is approaching Jharkhand's coal mines: India’s move away from coal to meet its emission reduction goals and long-term net-zero commitments. The government has indicated coal will be phased down, and several coal blocks in Jharkhand are being studied for closure. Women will be the first to be affected by "Just Transition."

Most women in Jharkhand's mines work in contractual, labour, and supporting roles. Meanwhile, when production drops or mines shut, contractual roles are the first to be eliminated, and that includes women. India’s mine closure guidelines emphasise land reclamation, afforestation, and renewable energy, but women rarely have land titles or decision-making power. This means the benefits of the transition flow disproportionately away from women. To protect women after the "Just Transition" coal decline, policy must guarantee reskilling programs designed specifically for women, green job quotas, income support during mine closures, and the participation of local women in transition planning.