1385 Table 1. Replicability Potential for Emerging Economies Dimension Germany (Post-Lignite Regions) Australia (Large-Scale Mining) Canada (Responsible Mining) NLCIL (India) Replicability Potential Mine Closure Approach Planned, phased postlignite closure with regional transition planning Progressive rehabilitation during mine life Progressive reclamation mandated by regulation Progressive mine closure integrated with operations High for large surface mines Post-Mining Land Use Lakes, agriculture, recreation, renewables Agriculture, biodiversity offsets, infrastructure Ecosystem restoration, community land use Agriculture, water bodies, biodiversity zones, solar parks High in landintensive mining regions Circular Economy Practices Overburden reuse, material efficiency Waste rock reuse, tailings optimisation Waste minimisation and reuse Overburden reuse, fly ash utilisation, water recycling High where mining–power linkages exist ESG Governance Strong regulatorydriven governance Corporate ESG frameworks Indigenous and community-led governance Board-level ESG oversight and institutional mechanisms Medium–High (institutiondependent) Digitalisation (Mining 4.0) Automation and digital mine planning Advanced autonomous systems Digital monitoring and reporting ICCC, drones, ERP, automated safety systems High with incremental adoption Community & Water Stewardship Regional socioeconomic transition programmes Community engagement and water controls Strong social licence focus Large-scale mine water reuse for irrigation and drinking High in waterstressed regions Energy Transition Integration Renewables on reclaimed lignite land Renewables and efficiency improvements Clean energy integration Solar installations on reclaimed mine land High for integrated energy enterprises 12. CONCLUSIONS This paper demonstrates that a lignite legacy can be transformed into sustainable value through an ESG-integrated transition model combining institutional governance, digitalisation, progressive land-use transformation, and community-centric practices. The case of NLC India Limited shows how an integrated mining and energy enterprise in a leading emerging economy can enhance productivity, safety, and environmental performance while supporting livelihoods, regional development, and a just and orderly energy transition. From a policy perspective, the experience underscores that net-zero pathways for emerging economies do not imply near-term coal elimination, but require phased decarbonisation, efficiency improvements, land restoration, renewable integration, and social inclusion, enabled by policy continuity, institutional capacity, and long-term planning. Key takeaway: The NLCIL experience provides a replicable, ESG-led framework for emerging economies to achieve a just, efficient, and sustainable energy transition while balancing development and climate objectives.
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