(a) the production of minerals including aluminium during the last three years, company-wise;
(b) whether there is a huge decline in production in some of the companies over the previous years;
(c) if so, the reason therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to boost the production of minerals including Aluminium in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)
(a): As per available information, the value of mineral production (excluding petroleum & natural gas and coal & lignite) in public and private sector companies during the last three years is given below:-
Mineral Production (Value in Rs. Crores)
Company 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 (Provisional)
Public Sector companies 3610 4087 4446 Private Sector companies 10376 10678 13345
Total 13986 14765 17791
Aluminium production (Value in Rs. Crores)
Company 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 (Provisional)
Public Sector companies 1993 2496 3197 Private Sector companies 3480 3976 4548
Total 5473 6472 7745
(i) Enunciated the National Mineral Policy in 1993.
(ii) Opened up the non-fuel and non-atomic mineral sector for private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI).
(iii) Permitted 100% FDI under the automatic route, in all minerals except diamond & precious stones; for diamond & precious stones FDI is allowed upto 74% under the automatic route and upto 100% through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.
(iv) Introduced the concept of reconnaissance permit (RP) as a stage distinct from and prior to actual prospecting operations.
(v) Delegated further authority to State Government.