109 measurable improvements in drinking water, healthcare, livelihoods, and local infrastructure, confirming that the outcomes discussed are institutionalised, measurable, and scalable. 11. Discussion: Global Benchmarking and Replicability Benchmarking against mining regions in Germany, Australia, and Canada indicates that NLCIL’s ESG-integrated approach—combining progressive closure, land reuse, circular economy practices, institutional governance, and digitalisation—is globally comparable in intent and outcomes. The model offers a replicable pathway for other resource-intensive and rapidly industrialising economies seeking to transform fossil-based mining legacies into sustainable value systems. Table 1. Replicability Potential for Emerging Economies Dimension Germany (PostLignite 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 communityBoard-level ESG oversight and Medium– High (institutiondependent)
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