UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SUVIKALP- Mine Repurposing Tool; Transforming Closed and Abandoned Mines into Productive Assets

Q1. Consider the following assertion: "Choosing the best post-mining land use for a closed coal mine does not, by itself, amount to a just transition for the coal-dependent region." Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion?

  1. The World Bank's framework on coal mine closure treats regional transformation, which goes beyond the closure of individual sites, as a separate phase of the transition.
  2. Strong social assistance programmes for affected workers and communities are central to achieving a just transition.
  3. Mined-out land can host renewable energy projects such as solar parks and pumped storage.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q2. With reference to the 2022 Union Cabinet policy on land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Such land may be leased for thermal or renewable power projects and for rehabilitating families displaced by coal projects.
  2. Mined-out and reclaimed land must be restored to the landholders from whom it was originally acquired.
  3. The policy also covers acquired land that is no longer viable for coal mining, even if it was never mined.
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Open-cast mine voids left after coal extraction are being explored in India as sites for pumped storage projects.
  2. A pumped storage project is a net generator of electricity, since the power it produces exceeds the power used to pump water uphill.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct