Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

Mining Tourism in India: A Perspective Inquiry with Reference to Jharkhand

Ashish Kumar*, R.C. Anu Chandran, Divyajit Kumar, Rohan Kumar and Sampad Kumar Swain

Mining has been an integral part of human history for thousands of years and its impact globally is so profound. As we progress towards a more sustainable future, the concept of mining as a special interest tourism activity is gaining traction. Thus, mining tourism is supposedly meant for a niche market offering visitors the opportunities to explore and learn about mining communities' history, technological propositions and cultural engagements. This paper explores the potential of mining tourism as a future trend in the Indian tourism industry and its bearing on local economies, socio-cultural aspects and the environment. Firstly, the paper examines the historical context of mining and its cultural significance in Indian sites by providing a sketch of the stakeholders’ initiatives. Further, the study highlights the mining sites of Jharkhand and presents the experiential facets of mining tourism for visitors as well as the potential economic benefits of mining tourism for local communities, such as job creation, revenue generation and infrastructure development. Subsequently, the work delves into the prospective environmental impacts of mining tourism in Jharkhand including the need for sustainable practices and the mitigation of negative impacts on the natural environment. This paper attempts to lay an accent on the potential of mining tourism in Jharkhand in offering unique experiences to tourists while contributing to sustainable development in mining communities. However, the work reinforces the fact that meticulous planning and management are necessary to ensure that mining tourism is sustainable, respectful of local communities living conditions and environmentally responsible.

Published Date: 2025-09-08; Received Date: 2024-10-02