Archive · 6 Aug 2025
Report: Soapstone Mining in Bageshwar Increases Landslide Risk
Experts found that digging for soapstone in Bageshwar, India is causing the land to sink and crack, like landslides.
This is because of how the mines dig the rock out.
If they keep digging unsafely, it could make the land unstable.
The report suggests using safer digging methods and keeping an eye on the slopes to prevent more problems.
Report highlights increased landslide risk from soapstone mining in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.
Steep excavation, lack of slope support, and dumping of material contribute to the risk.
169 mines excavate soapstone and magnesite in Bageshwar.
Mining activities are linked to ground cracks, sinkholes, and landslides.
The committee recommends a geo-referenced database and slope stability analysis.
- Who
- Government-appointed committee including experts from Geological Survey of India, Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Center, and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing.
- What
- Landslide risk due to soapstone mining.
- When
- Report submitted last week, after January 10 ban on mining.
- Where
- Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- Unsafe mining practices contribute to the increased risk.
Current Mining Practices
Sustainable Practices
Mining Methods
Current Mining Practices
Unsafe excavation, lack of slope support, dumping into water sources.
Sustainable Practices
N/A
- Location
- Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
- Issue
- Landslides and Land Subsidence
- Cause
- Soapstone Mining
- Seismic Zone
- Zone V (highest risk)
- Mining Activity
- 169 soapstone mines in Bageshwar
- Minerals Mined
- Soapstone and Magnesite
