TEAM HERALD
NEW DELHI: Hailing the January 12, 2015 Mining and Mineral Development and Regulation Ordinance as a revolutionary step to revive the stagnating mining sector, Union Mining Minister Narendra Tomar said it will bring transparency through auctions besides simplification and transferability to attract private investment. He hoped that the classification of minerals will lead to their better scientific exploration and with more power to the states, the mining process will be expedited.
He was speaking at a meeting with mining ministers of eleven States to prepare a roadmap for implementation of MMDR ordinance. Tomar also urged states to revive mining given the falling levels of iron ore production in the country.
“This ordinance is a revolutionary step in revival of mining sector in the country, hitherto stagnated due to various reasons. Auction will bring in greater transparency and higher revenue for the states,” he said.
Pressing upon the need for developing a sound database for minerals in India, Tomar averred that detailed exploration is the first step in mining and to set realistic goals and make workable plans, it is imperative to know the true measure of our resource base. He stated that as per preliminary assessment, 199 cases of various states would be ready for auction with some effort. But such auctions would also depend on the finalisation of modalities for conducting auction and subordinate rules therein.
Mining ministers and secretaries from 11 mining states expressed optimism over the amendments and offered constructive suggestions for its implementation on the ground level. It was agreed that delays in environment and forest clearances had to be resolved by Ministry of Environment and Forests for providing unhindered support in growth of mining, an official said.
Tomar sought suggestions from state representatives for firming up a holistic implementation plan to further strengthen the ‘Make in India’ vision of the government, given the uniqueness of different minerals and different regions. Mining ministers and secretaries from different states offered suggestions for its implementation on the ground level.
Minister of State for Mines Vishnu Deo Sai, secretary mines Anup Pujari, additional secretary R Sridharan also attended the meeting.
From Goa, Mining Secretary Pawan Sain attended the meeting.
