The order followed a land subsidence event at Chhatabad near the colliery. BCCL said the subsidence occurred over abandoned IX Seam underground workings at New Akashkinaree. The affected land is owned by the company.

DGMS also instructed BCCL to comply with directives from the Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman of Dhanbad's District Disaster Management Authority. That August 14 order required a halt to blasting and mining until a scientific study declares the area safe.

BCCL said it is conducting the required technical study and seeking fresh permission. The company falls under state-owned Coal India Ltd and supplies coking coal to India's steel sector.

The halt at New Akashkinaree removes one production unit from BCCL's Govindpur Area. The timeline for resumption depends on the study's completion and DGMS approval. No estimate has been provided.