1390 3. METHODOLOGY This study adopts a case-based analytical approach, integrating historical climatic records with recent operational and safety data from Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL). The methodology combines trend analysis, assessment, and operational impact evaluation to examine the influence of climate variability, particularly extreme monsoon events, on opencast mining safety and productivity. a) Data Collection • Ten years (2015–2024) of monthly rainfall data for the Singrauli region • Temperature data for 2024 sourced from NASA POWER • Coal production and dispatch records for the last five years • Monsoon preparedness plans and safety reports b) Analytical Framework • Trend analysis of rainfall and temperature variability • Correlation between rainfall extremes and operational disruptions • Assessment of safety and geotechnical risks triggered by extreme weather • Evaluation of preparedness measures versus actual climatic impact c) Data analysis Rainfall and temperature datasets were analysed using descriptive statistical methods and comparative trend analysis. Extreme rainfall events were identified based on deviations from long-term monthly averages. Operational impacts were assessed through comparison of production and dispatch records during normal and extreme monsoon periods. 4. RESULTS 4.1 Rainfall Patterns in the Singrauli Region: A 10-Year Overview Figure 2 presents the monthly rainfall trends for the Singrauli region from 2015 to 2024. A pronounced anomaly is observed during August 2024, where rainfall levels sharply exceeded those recorded in the same month across all previous years. Unlike the relatively consistent monsoon distribution observed during earlier years, 2024 exhibits an exceptionally high rainfall intensity, underscoring the increasing unpredictability of monsoon behaviour. This abnormal surge significantly disrupted mining operations, inundated the bottom-most seams, and raised serious safety and geotechnical concerns.
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