What is rat-hole mining?
Mining operations conducted by drilling a long narrow tunnel downwards from surface are known as rat hole mining. This form of mining is usually undertaken by families that do not have access to large capital for investing in infrastructure. The recourse is to dig narrow holes with minimum effort. This form of mining can only be conducted effectively where the deposits occur close to the surface. Lack of adherence to safety norms can lead to respiratory problems for miners. In India, this form of mining is prevalent in the Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.