Question : BAUXITE DEPOSITS

(a) the estimated quantum of bauxite reserves/deposits in the country, State-wise including Orissa;

(b) the percentage of the total reserves/deposits of bauxite available in Orissa;

(c) the steps taken for exploitation of bauxite reserves in the country; and

(d) the number of proposals received by the Union Government from the State Governments seeking prior approval for allotment of mining rights alongwith the status of such proposals during each of the last three years and the current year, Statewise including Orissa?

THE MINISTER OF MINES AND MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)

(a)& (b): State-wise information on total reserves of Bauxite is given in the Indian Minerals Year Book published by the Indian Bureau of Mines, a copy of which has been supplied to the Parliament Library.

(c) : Mining of minerals depends broadly on availability of mineral resources, economic viability, demand of the market etc. Under the liberalised economic environment, investment decisions are taken by the entrepreneurs based on their techno-economic judgements and commercial considerations. The Government has announced the National Mineral Policy, 2008, which enunciates policy measures like assured right to next stage mineral concession, transferability of mineral concessions and transparency in allotment of concessions, in order to reduce delays which are seen as impediments to investment and technology flow in the mining sector in India. The Government has also revised the threshold values for 12 minerals, including Bauxite, which would entail stacking and utilisation of low grade ore. These policy initiatives would provide suitable environment for optimum exploitation of the mineral potential of the country, including Bauxite.

(d): The details of the proposals received by Government from the State Governments for grant of mineral concessions are given on the website of Ministry of Mines (http://mines.gov.in).