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Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), a subordinate organisation of the Ministry of Mines, during the first quarter of this financial year inspected 571 mines and pointed out 459 cases of violations. Out of this, scientific mining practices were ensured in 247 cases through their compliance and in 31 cases, prosecutions have been launched. 181 cases are in the process of rectification at different stages. The Union Mines Secretary, Shri A.K.D. Jadhav today took a quarterly performance review meeting of IBM and was briefed by its acting Controller General, Shri C.P. Ambesh. The CG said that during these 3 months, 207 mining plans / schemes were approved for carrying out mining operations observing all statutory requirements and 48 plans were rejected as they were found deficient and could not fulfill the standard norms.
Shri Ambesh said that during the period 26 ore dressing investigations, 13,644 chemical analysis and 622 mineralogical determinations were completed. The important investigations completed cover the minerals like fluoride, cobalt, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, clay and dolomite. During these 3 months, 8 major publications were released including Indian Mineral Year-Book 2004 and Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance 2003-04.
The Secretary asked IBM to prepare a data base on old abandoned mines and a model package for their rehabilitation based on latest technologies for restoring the ecological balance. This would be posed to the Planning Commission and the Environment Ministry for funds for the purpose. The IBM website is now being regularly updated and state-level task forces to control illegal mining are being set up. Shri Jadhav asked IBM to approve mining plans within prescribed time limits and proactively associate with miners to upgrade and revalidate these mining plans.
DS/SCH
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