(a) whether the Government have constituted an environmental review committee of all mining operations that are under its control;
(b) if so, the objectives and terms of reference of the committee;
(c) whether the Government have an objective of ensuring sustainable mining activities in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (SHRI JAYSINGRAO GAIKWAD PATIL)
(a) & (b) : Review of environmental aspects of mining is an on going process in the Government. A Committee was also set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary(Mines) and co-chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests to monitor and review the environmental aspects of mining activities. Further representatives of Ministry of Environment & Forests are regularly invited in the meetings of the Mineral Advisory Council and Conference of Mining Ministers for ensuring sustainable mining activities in the country.
(c) & (d): The objective of National Mineral Policy, 1993 inter-alia is to develop mineral resources taking into account the national and strategic considerations and to ensure their adequate supply and best use keeping in view the present needs and future requirements. The strategy of mineral development envisage among other things working out an optimal depletion rate in respect of each mineral, keeping in view the domestic and global resource position, the international market situation and the needs for stable and sustained economic development.