Uttarkashi: Rescuers Switch to Traditional Mining Technique: Rat-Hole Mining Explained | Oneindia

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Explore the latest developments in Uttarkashi as rescuers employ a traditional mining technique, delving into the intricacies of Rat-Hole Mining. This video provides a comprehensive explanation of the method being utilized in the ongoing rescue efforts in the Silkyara Tunnel. Stay informed on the innovative approaches employed by the dedicated rescuers on the ground.

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Transcript

00:00 This Monday, November 27, marked a crucial turn in the rescue efforts at Silkiara Tunnel

00:08 in Uttarkashi.

00:09 A specialized team of six rat hole miners from Uttar Pradesh has joined the operation,

00:15 bringing their expertise to the forefront.

00:18 Their mission is to manually dig through the remaining 10-12 meters of rubble and reach

00:23 the 41 trapped workers inside the tunnel.

00:26 In the next 24-36 hours, these dedicated miners are anticipated to make a significant impact

00:32 on the ongoing rescue.

00:34 One of the six rat miners says, "We will have no issue of claustrophobia as we have worked

00:40 inside smaller tunnels."

00:42 The manual excavation technique being utilized in the Silkiara Tunnel stands apart from conventional

00:48 rat hole mining.

00:49 This operation specifically calls for individuals with specialized skills in tunneling, known

00:55 as rat hole miners, who have been mobilized for the task in Uttarkashi.

01:03 Rat hole mining is a procedure involving the excavation of extremely narrow tunnels.

01:08 Within these confined spaces, workers, often including children, enter to extract coal.

01:14 Rat hole mining is predominantly practiced in Meghalaya due to the challenging terrain

01:18 and specific characteristics of coal found in this region.

01:22 In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ban on rat hole mining, expressing

01:28 concerns about its unscientific nature and the associated safety risks posed to workers,

01:34 especially children.

01:36 Despite the ban imposed by the NGT, unauthorized rat hole mining persists, resulting in tragic

01:42 fatalities in Meghalaya.

01:44 Miners descend hundreds of feet into these horizontal tunnels to extract coal.

01:49 These mines operate with rudimentary equipment, shedding light on the challenges and risks

01:54 associated with the continued practice of rat hole mining in defense of regulations.

02:01 Within the realm of rat hole mining, there are two distinct methods employed.

02:05 First, we have side-cutting, involving the excavation of narrow tunnels into hill slopes.

02:11 Workers then enter these openings to locate the coal seam.

02:15 The second method is box-cutting, where rectangular openings ranging in size from 10 to 100 square

02:21 meters are created.

02:23 As the team of six rat hole miners take on the critical mission to evacuate 41 trapped

02:27 workers in the Silkyara tunnel, their specialized skills in burrowing through small tunnels

02:33 become the driving force.

02:35 With a remarkable track record of digging approximately 6 meters within a 12-hour time

02:40 frame, these miners bring hope to the trapped workers.

02:43 Deployed by Trenchless Engineering Services, their expertise extends from laying water

02:47 pipelines in Delhi to other states.

02:50 Armed with shovels and compact drill machines, the miners working in pairs navigate the tunnel,

02:56 inching closer to their goal.

02:58 The precision of Army engineers further ensures that every move is careful and planned and

03:03 executed, encapsulating the air of anticipation and hope surrounding this high-stakes operation.

03:10 [MUSIC PLAYING]

03:13 (upbeat music)

Uttarkashi: Rescuers Switch to Traditional Mining Technique: Rat-Hole Mining Explained | Oneindia

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