(a) the details of the present norms relating to the concessions granted
for mineral prospecting operations in the country;
(b) whether the Government has any proposal to revise such norms/
increase the area permissible for mineral prospecting;
(c) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which action
in this regard is likely to be taken;
(d) whether such move would help in attracting modern technology in
the mining sector; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a): All the exploration and mining activities in the country are undertaken
in terms of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Rules
framed thereunder, which provides for regulation of mines and development of minerals.
(b) and (c): The Government has approved the draft Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011 for introduction in the Winter Session
of Parliament, 2011. The draft Bill provides for a maximum area for mining lease
at 100 sq. km. (as compared to 10 sq. km. at present), and for prospecting
licence at 500 sq. km. (as compared to 25 sq. km. at present). Apart from that,
a new concession called High Technology Reconnaissance-cum-Exploration Licence
(HTREL) is proposed over an area of 5000 sq. km. for deep-seated deposits. The
maximum area for reconnaissance would continue to be 10000 sq. km.
(d) and (e): The streamlining and simplifying the process of grant of
concessions, provision for seamless transition of concessions, and transfer
to eligible persons would enable an environment for attracting modern
technology and investment in the mining sector.