(a) the names and number of public sector Mines of different minerals closed down during last three years and as on June 30, 2000, State-wise;
(b) the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government have made any efforts to revive these mines; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, SPORTS AND MINES(SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)
(a) &(b): Industrial undertakings including mines are closed under Section 25-O of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 which is administered by the Ministry of Labour. The names of Public Sector Mines permitted to be closed due to economic reasons, based on applications received between 1.1.1997 and 30.6.2000 by the Ministry of Labour are given at Annexure.
(c) & (d): Mining is a depleting industry and mines need to be closed when extraction of minerals become unviable. However, where closure is due to lack of demand it is felt that steps taken to liberalise the economy and increase in industrial production would result in increased demand for minerals and make the mines viable.
ANNEXURE
Annexure referred in reply to Parts (a) and (b) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.2236 for answer on 7th August, 2000 asked by Shri Ajay Singh Chautala regarding Closure of Public Sector Mines.
Name of the Mine
1. M/s Hindustan Zinc Ltd. Degana Tungsten project P.O. Degana, Dist. Nagour Rajasthan
2. M/s Hindustan Copper Ltd Mosabani Mines, P.O. Mosabani, District Singhbhum Bihar
3. M/s Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. Camp Lapanga P.O. Bhadaninagar District Hazaribagh, Bihar
4. M/s Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd. Phutkapahar Mines, P.O. Balco Nagar District Korba, Madhya Pradesh
5.. M/s Hindustan Copper Ltd. Pathargoda Mine, P.O. Ghatsila District Singhbhum Bihar
6. M/s Hindustan Copper Ltd. Kendadih Mine, P.O. Ghatsila District Singhbhum Bihar