Work

A Just Transition or a Downward Spiral? Land and Livelihood Transitions to and Away From Coal Mining in India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT When coal mines expand across Central and Eastern India, agrarian groups typically object strongly to displacement. Meanwhile, and often in the immediate vicinity of the expanding mines, the previously displaced now working in the coal economy protest against mine closures. Additional millions are situated somewhere between attempts to protect agrarian livelihoods and keeping a coal job as their lives become increasingly conflated with, and dependent on, coal. In this article, we draw on long‐term and recent engagements across two coal‐producing states in India to reflect on difficult livelihood transitions to and away from coal mining among indigenous and caste Hindu groups. We focus on the enduring value of land for which there is no good substitute as means of social reproduction. When a mine inevitably closes, lacking skills and land holdings generate a downward spiral in enforced livelihood transitions towards insecure informality. This creates enduring tensions in the concept of ‘just transitions’ when applied to the Indian coal sector.

Source: Journal of Agrarian Change

DOI: 10.1111/joac.70003

Authors: Patrik Oskarsson, Suravee Nayak, Nikas Kindo

Institutions: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad

Language: English

Topic: Mining and Resource Management

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,820