Question : DEFINITION ON MINOR MINERALS

(a) whether the Government proposes to consider deletion of ordinary earth from the definition of `minor minerals` in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and

(c) the time by which the decision will be taken in the matter?

THE MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a): At present the Government does not have any proposal for deletion of ordinary earth from the definition of ‘minor minerals’ in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

(b) and (c): Does not arise in view of (a) above.