(a) the number of mines leased to National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC);
(b) whether some of these mines are due for renewal and the proposal for the lease of fresh mines applied by NMDC is pending with the Government;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken to clear such mining lease/renewal of applications ?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINITRY OF MINES (SHRI SIS RAM OLA)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 99 REGARDING NMDC MINES ASKED BY SHRI JUAL ORAM FOR ANSWER ON 28TH NOVEMBER, 2006
(a) As per information made available by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) as on 31.3.2005, M/s National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (NMDC) holds 14 mining leases for different minerals in different States.
(b)to(d): As per the provisions of Section 8 of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, the powers for renewal of mining leases are vested in the State Government in respect of all minerals except the “Hydro Carbon Energy Minerals†and “Atomic Minerals†listed in the First Schedule to the said Act. No proposal for renewal of mining lease in favour of M/s NMDC is pending with the Central Government. The State Government of Chhattisgarh has sent a proposal seeking prior approval of the Central Government for grant of mining lease for iron ore over an area of 413.745 hects. in Bailadila Reserve Forest, Tahsil Dantewara, District South Bastar Dantewara in favour of M/s NMDC. The said proposal has been received by Ministry of Mines on 21.11.2006 and a decision on the proposal will be taken in the light of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the rules framed thereunder.