National Mineral Exploration Policy to be Notified Soon-Union Secretary, Mines Ministry

Ministry of Mines, government of India conducted an all-state meeting in Jaipur (Rajasthan) on 27 May’16. The meeting was called by Honorable Union Minister of Mines-Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar to discuss the key issues pertaining to mining sector.

Some of the agenda to be discussed in the meeting were setting up District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Fund, National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) and curbing illegal mining.

The meeting was attended by the mining ministers from nine different states, senior level delegates from Ministry of Mines and other government departments.

Mines Minister-Mr Narendra Singh Tomar shared that “the auction system for mines introduced in Jan’15 has considerably improved the image of mining sector. To further improve the image of this sector, we need to set up District Mineral Foundations at the earliest so that development of areas and welfare of people affected by mining can begin in earnest”.

State governments must start using provisions of amended MMDR Act pertaining to curbing illegal mining to set deterrent examples. Though ultimate aim should be to create an environment where miners themselves understand, own and fulfill their socio-economic responsibilities. For this purpose, we have launched Star rating system for mines to recognize self –driven top performers who adhere to best practices, he added.

The Union secretary, Ministry of Mines-Mr. Balvinder Kumar asked the state government representatives to work on setting up of DMF’s and star rating systems of mining leases. He informed that National Mineral Exploration Policy is likely to be notified in next couple of months. He shared details of initiatives taken by the central government to facilitate exploration and mining in the country.

What is NMEP?

National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) is a strategy and action plan that the government will adopt for ensuring comprehensive exploration of India’s (non fuel and non-coal) mineral resources and thereby help in sustainable and efficient exploration of India’s mineral resources.

~Sourced