The Ministry of Mines has prepared the draft rule named “The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2016” under section 18 of the MMDR Act, 1957, for the conservation and systematic development of minerals and for the protection of environment and for purposes connected therewith.
Mines Ministry has invited comments/suggestions on the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2016 till 29 Sep’16. These rules shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
Major highlights of the MCDR are as follows:-
1. Applicability – These rules shall apply to all minerals except petroleum, natural gas, coal, lignite and sand for stowing, atomic minerals and minor minerals.
2. Sustainable Mining – Every holder of a mining lease shall monitor his mining and allied activities as per the notified template of star rating in the format prescribed in this behalf by the Indian Bureau of Mines from time to time, and will submit its self-assessment report online, before 1st July of every year for the previous year to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines.
3. Mines closure plan – Mines closure plans shall be of two types:-
(i) progressive mines closure and (ii) final mines closure
4. Monthly and annual returns – The holder of a mining lease shall submit online returns in respect of each mine to the Regional Controller or any other authorised official of the Indian Bureau of Mines in the following manner, namely:-
(a) a daily return which shall be submitted through the Mobile application of the Indian Bureau of Mines by 18:00 hours of the third day following the day of reporting;
(b) a monthly return which shall be submitted before the 10th of every month in respect of preceding month in electronic Form
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