The State Government has amended Madhya Pradesh Minor Minerals Rules 1996 for ensuring environmental protection and putting an effective check on illegal transportation of minerals in the State.
Earlier, there was a provision to issue mining permission for Government construction works and to private land owners. A per the new amendment, mining permission can be given to other persons also. A notification to this effect has been issued.
Director Geology and Mining VK Austin informed that following this Amendment, allotment will be made for auctioned mines of minor minerals, sand, stone and plank stone only after receipt of approved mining plan and environment-related plan. Amendment has been made to ensure that over 5 hectare mines are sanctioned only after receipt of environment clearance under Union Minister of Forests & Environment’s notification dated December 24, 2006.
Provisions have been made in the rules for authorising qualified persons for preparation of mining plan. Recognition to these persons will be given by Director Geology & Mining. Mining plan will be approved by the Director and Regional Head of Directorate of Geology & Mining. Environmental management plans will be chalked out by persons recognised by Directorate of Geology & Mining. A committee headed by concerning collector has been constituted for approval of plan.
As per earlier rules, duration of mining lease was from 2 to 10 years. It was different for various minerals. Following the amendment, this period has been fixed as minimum 5 years and maximum 10 years. lease can also be sanctioned if an application is moved for a period in between these years.
Auctioned mines will be allotted for 5 years so that industries can be set up in the state, but provision has been made to extend this period upto 10 years for establishment of cutting-polishing plants in auctioned mines and crushers in stone mines.
Earlier, it was mandatory to move application for renewal one year before expiry of original lease. There was no provision for giving exemption from late fees if a leaseholder used to move renewal application belatedly. As per the new Amendment, late applications renewal can be disposed of by imposing fine worth Rs1,000 per month.
Amendment has also been made in the rules for allotting mines of the size of minimum one hectare and maximum 50 hectare. It has also been provided that if less than one hectare is available for mining, then mining permission can be accorded by forming small groups of 200 metre radius each.