Union Mining and Steel Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is leading Indian delegation to Mining Indaba-2015 at Cape Town in South Africa. Madhya Pradesh’s Mineral Resources Development Minister Rajendra Shukla is also included in the delegation. As many as ten thousand representatives from all over the world are participating in it including 18 Mining Ministers from South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Nigeria, Gabon, Eritrea, Kenya, Mali and other countries.
Main objective of the delegation is to highlight recent amendments in Indian Mining Rules and investment avenues in Indian mining sector for foreign companies. It also aims to bring latest global technique in mining sector to promote mining. It will also promote ‘Make in India’ initiative by ensuring supply of minerals from foreign countries to support domestic production.
Tomar while underlining recent amendments in mining laws and rules in India, said that allotment of mines through auction will bring about transparency. The State Governments have been delegated greater powers to remove delays in sanction and clearance of allotment of mines through auction route. Apart from simplification of rules, period of lease has also been increased from 30 to 50 years to ensure stability. He informed that 31 additional minerals have been fully handed over to States taking their number to 54.
Tomar informed that National Mineral Exploration Trust has been formed in India. District Mineral Fund has been created in the interest of people affected by mining activities. This initiative will be helpful in continuing mining activities continuously for a long time, which will ensure equal growth of society. He urged companies like Vedanta to continue their good work and help in strengthening Brand India throughout the world.
Tomar urged representatives participating in the meeting to exchange information and knowledge by participating in conferences and workshops on mining. He said that publication of information about mining laws, technology and management, cooperation between member units and joint ventures should be encouraged.