Mining Sector Undergoes Reforms to Strengthen Sustainable Mining

New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines implemented Sustainable Mining by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. Accordingly Rule 35 of MCDR provides for star rating of the mining leases based on the sustainable mining practices adopted by the miners. Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

The National Mineral Policy 2019 envisions sustainable mining as financially viable; socially responsible; environmentally, technically and scientifically sound mining practices with a long term view of development; optimal use of mineral resources and ensuring sustainable post-closure land uses.

All miners including private miners are following the Sustainable Mining provisions under Chapter V of MCDR 2017 and follow star rating system developed for evaluation of the leases.

Star rating has been made mandatory under Rule 35(2) of MCDR, 2017 and every mining lease holder has to submit online self-assessment report before 1st day of July every year for the previous financial year, along with the digital images of mining lease area as per rule 34A of the said rules to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines.

Further, as per Rule 35(4) of MCDR, 2017 every holder of a mining lease shall achieve at least three-star rating within a period of four years from the date of commencement of mining operations and thereafter maintain the same on year- on- year basis.