Coal news and updates

MoC eases provisions to allow MDOs in minerals to dig coal

The Ministry of Coal (MoC) has allowed the state governments and Union Territories to modify the draft Model Contract Agreement (MCA) to enable mine developers-cum-operators engaged in mineral mining to take up coal mining projects.

In a communique on June 13, the ministry said, “The draft MCA is a suggestive one for the use of the state governments and Union Territories. The state governments and Union Territories may modify the clauses of the draft MCA according to their requirement/suitability,” subject to some conditions.

“While making any modification in the draft MCA, it must be ensured that any such modification is neither infringing nor contradicting the conditions of terms of allocation by the Ministry of Coal,” it added.

“In this regard, it is advised that state governments and Union Territories may consider allowing the experience in mining in other minerals also as mining experience and may modify the relevant paras in the MCA. This will only enhance the competition,” the statement said.