Coal news and updates

Central government seeks co-operation from states to amend MMDR Act

July 3: In an effort to find out ‘expeditious and acceptable solutions’ to the mining issues confronting the country, the Union Minister of Steel, Mines and Labour & Employment Narendra Singh Tomar has sought views from Chief Ministers of various states on amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, an official release said.

The Act provides the legislative framework which governs the mining sector in the country.

Tomar is scheduled to meet Chief Ministers of some states this week and also visit other states in the first half of the month, the release added.

During the visits to states, the Minister, along with his key officials, will meet Chief Ministers, State Mining Ministers and other representatives from the state for intensive deliberations.

Chief Ministers of Goa and Rajasthan are likely to meet the Minister on July 3 while a visit to Karnataka is scheduled on July 4 when he will meet the state’s Chief Minister.

Expressing concern over the negative public perception with regard to mining, Tomar has urged Heads of States to come together to evolve a ‘transparent and efficient system of allocation of leases, along with a robust regulatory framework that best serves India’s interests.’

The letter also enunciates the need to safeguard environmental concerns, and clearly spells out that ‘intergeneration equity’ should not be compromised in the process of easing the mining sector.