(a) whether the Government proposes to invest in the mining sector and public sector industries to maximize the production capacity, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to auction small mines in the country; and
(c) if so, the details thereof, State/sector-wise?
(a): The mining sector has been liberalized since the year 1993 and it is dominated by large number of private sector miners. Under the liberalized economic environment, investment decisions are taken by the entrepreneurs based on their techno-economic feasibility and commercial considerations. However, the proposed project-wise investment details of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Mines viz Hindustan Copper Limited, National Aluminium Company Limited and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited are annexed.
(b) & (c): As per MMDR Amended Act, 2015 and rule 12(5) of Mineral (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, the minimum area for grant of mining lease shall not be less than five hectares. In respect of major minerals, mining leases above 5 hectares can be granted either through auction or reservation for public sector undertakings. In respect of minor minerals, respective States are required to frame rules for grant of mining concessions. State Governments have been advised to follow transparent and non-discretionary procedure in grant of mineral concessions.
Annexure as referred to in reply to part (a) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question no. 322
Project-wise investment details of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Mines
Project Capital Expenditure Layout (Rs crore)
Hindustan Copper Limited (till march 2016)
Malanjkhand Mine (Madhya Pradesh) 1856
Khetri Mine (Rajasthan) 167
Kolihan Mine (Rajasthan) 274
Surda Mine (Jharkhand) 219
BanwasMine (Rajasthan) 92
Rakha Mine (Jharkhand) 315
Kendadih Mine (Jharkhand)
94
Chapri-Sideshwar Mine (Jharkhand) 418
Total 3,435
National Aluminium Company Limited (till 15thNovember 2016)
Pottangi Bauxite Mines (Odisha) 5,540
Technological upgradation (Odisha) 355
Utkal-D&E Coal block (Odisha) 534
5th Stream Alumina Refinery 5540
Angul Aluminium Park 99.6
Caustic Soda Plant in JV with GACL 215
Total 12,284
Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (till March 2016)
Investment in capital assets under Capex Plan 207.5