Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Steel and Mines has said that the MINES AND MINERALS (DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION), (MMDR) Ordinance is a revolutionary step in revival of mining sector in the country, hitherto stagnated due to various reasons. Addressing a meeting of mines ministers and secretaries from across the country here today, the minister said that auction will bring in greater transparency and higher revenue for the states. Simultaneously simplification and transferability will also attract private investment. He added that the classification of minerals will lead to their better scientific exploration and with more power to the states mining process will be expedite. The meeting was organised for preparing a roadmap for implementation of Ordinance was attended by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, mining ministers from 11 states, Secretary (Mines) Shri Anup K Pujari, Additional Secretary (Mines) Shri R Sridharan, and senior officials from the Ministry of Mines.
Pressing upon the need for developing a sound database for minerals in India, Shri 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. The Minister pointed out other provisions of the Ordinance, such as, stricter penalties for illegal mining, establishment of National Minerals Exploration Trust (NMET) to give impetus to exploration, removal of prior approval of the centre to eliminate delays, and provision for District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to address the concerns of mining-affected people.
Citing the example of falling levels of iron ore production in the country, Shri Tomar urged states to revive mining in all earnestness. Acknowledging the uniqueness of different minerals and different regions, Shri Tomar solicited opinions and suggestions of state representatives for firming up a holistic implementation plan to further strengthen the ‘Make in India’ vision of the government.Mining ministers and secretaries from different 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 MoEF for providing unhindered support in growth of mining.