The Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT) held a seminar here on Tuesday to vent their reaction to the Ordinance promulgated by the Centre to amend the Mines and Minerals ( Development And Regulation ) Act 1957. Former SGAT’s president BK Mohanty said the present mood of the decision makers is to auction all natural resources, but it may not be the panacea to all ills of the mining sector. He welcomed the lease period of 50 years set by the Ordinance but pointed out that the Ordinance does not distinguish between virgin mineral prospects leases that have lapsed or not in use for any reason other than term expiry.
He also wondered on the silence of the Ordinance on issues that included the recommendations of the empowered committees, pending litigations and the concerns of the State Government. He too mentioned issues including the delay in clearances, land acquisition woes and sundry other issues that make mining a difficult activity.
SGAT president BK Sarangi pointed out that one interesting fallout of the Ordinance appears to be the reduction in authority of the Indian Bureau of Mines as the Ordinance allows companies to file their own mining plans. Advocate M Mohapatra welcomed the ordinance but said the issue of allowing public sector a privileged position in the auction process is not fair as the Government already has the authority to reserve mining activity exclusively for public sector.