Lok Sabha Question No. 2914 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-20
Subject: NMP
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Dhal Singh Bisen

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2914

ANSWERED ON 20.12.2023

## NMP

## † 2914. DR. DHAL SINGH BISEN:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a)  the details and main objectives of National Mineral Policy (NMP);
- (b) the manner in which National Mineral Policy (NMP) is likely to ensure sustainable development in mining areas; and
- (c)  the  benefits  of  India's  participation  in  the  Extractive  Industries  Transparency Initiative (EITI) including the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

- (a): The National Mineral Policy, 2019 [NMP 2019] , states that minerals are valuable natural  resources,  which  are  essential  raw  materials  for  the  core  sectors  of  the economy. The exploration, extraction, and management of minerals are guided by national goals and perspectives, integrated into the overall strategy of the country's economic  development.  NMP  2019  also  focuses  on  promoting  domestic  industry, reducing  import  dependency,  and  contributing  to  the  Make  in  India  initiative.  NMP 2019 emphasizes on a fair and transparent allocation of mineral resources to ensure equitable distribution of mineral wealth to serve the common good. NMP 2019 aims to ensure environmentally sustainable mining, with stakeholders' participation; devolution  of  benefits of  mining  to  mining-affected  persons  and  areas;  maintaining high level of trust among all stakeholders; conducive regulatory environment for ease of doing business in the sector; simpler, transparent, and time-bound procedures for obtaining clearances for mining.
- (b):  Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017 was framed under Section 18 of MMDR  Act, 1957 for the mineral conservation, systematic development of minerals and protection of environment by preventing or controlling any pollution which may be caused by prospecting or mining operations. As per Rule 12(1) of MCDR (amendment) 2017, the prospecting and mining operations shall be carried  out  in  such  a  manner  so  as  to  ensure  systematic  development  of  mineral deposits, conservation of minerals and protection of the environment. Rule 35 to 44 under  Chapter  V  of  MCDR,  2017  is  provided  for  Sustainable  Mining.  Adequate emphasis has been given on Sustainable Development in Mining areas in the NMP 2019.  Further,  to  implement  the  Sustainable  Development  Framework  (SDF), Ministry has evolved a system of Star Rating of Mines.
- (c):  India  is  not  a  member  of  Extractive  Industries  Transparency  Initiative  (EITI). However, India has adopted the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) to report  the  mineral  resources,  status  of  exploration  and  feasibility  of  extractions. Further,  as  per  the  MMDR  Act,  1957  and  rules  framed  thereunder,  every  lease holder has to adhere to the conditions prescribed under various clearances issued by the different Ministries /Departments of State and Central Government. The lease holders  are  also  mandated  to  submit  the  prescribed  reports  like  monthly  /  annual return, result of exploration, yearly report on progressive mine closure activities, etc. to statutory authorities.

*****