CURRENT NEWS

AUGUST 2009

 

SC-appointed central panel raps TN industrial development corp for seeking

Chennai, August 31, 09: A demand to fell 11,088 trees in Kanjamalai forest in Salem district and another 2,22,397 trees in Kvuthimalai forest in Tiruvannamalai district for iron ore mining under a joint sector project by Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (TIDCO), a state government-owned undertaking, has come in for severe criticism from a Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC). "The CEC is of the view that the ecological cost of felling of more than two lakh naturally grown trees and the use of 325 hectares of undisturbed reserved forest for iron ore mining and pelletisation project far outweighs the financial benefits that may accrue by reduced cost of raw material," the committee's report said. In the project under taken by Tamilnadu Iron Ore Mining Corporation Ltd (TIMCO), a joint venture with a Jindal group company, TIDCO has only one per cent stake, which, too, will be disinvested after three years. In view of that, the CEC took a strident line, saying: "The entire ownership and benefit of the project will finally vest with the applicant company promoted by the investment companies of Jindal Group without any stake or benefit to either M/s TIDCO or to the State government, though all the permissions and approvals are being sought/obtained by stating that it is a joint venture project of the State." For the approval sought under the Forest (Conservation) Act, the CEC report said: "The applicant company at present has no locus standi either for seeking approval under the FC Act or for seeking per mission of his Hon'ble Court for felling of naturally grown trees therein." "It would not be in public interest to grant the approval under the FC for the non-forest use of 638 hectares of reserved forest area for the project," the report said. The project aims at mining one million tonnes of iron ore per annum.

(Sources:http://epaper.expressbuzz.com/NE/NE/2009/09/01/ArticleHtmls/01_09_2009_001_026.shtml?Mode=1)

Buffer zones around sanctuaries not needed: Goa Govt
Panaji, August 31, 09: The Goa Government’s report to the National Wildlife Board recommending against any eco-fragile zones near wildlife sanctuaries in the State has effectively allowed mining of iron ore around sanctuaries in some cases. The report said buffer zones in three wildlife sanctuaries — Netravali, Bhagwan Mahavir and Mhadei— should be removed. The report which assumes significance considering the controversies surrounding illegal mining in the State has reasoned that there are several settlements around the sanctuaries and many villagers have ownership rights up to the boundaries of the sanctuaries. The report was prepared at the instance of the Centre. The State Government approved the report submitted by a high level committee. Meanwhile, activists in Goa have raised objections to the report. “We have sent our objections to the Centre. The only purpose of this report is to facilitate mining in protected forests,” NGO Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares said. However, the forest department has asked the Centre to expedite a decision on the report, Chief Conservator of Forests Shashi Kumar said. The State Government has already begun acting on the document by granting extensions to three mine leases. Since this report was approved by the state government, we have begun taking decision on its basis, Kumar said.

(Source:http://dailypioneer.com/199207/Buffer-zones-around-sanctuaries-not-needed-Goa-Govt.html)

Illegal mining haunts govt at Verna meet
VASCO, August 30, 09: People at CRZ consultation meeting with Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh at Fr Agnel Auditorium, Verna, took the Kamat-led Government to task over alleged illegalities in mining and protecting builders lobby. Though the consultation meeting was convened to discuss the plight of CRZ-affected people, most fishermen and representatives of NGO lambasted the Government for overlooking their plight. Scientist Dr Nadakumar Kamat exposed alleged CRZ violation, which has allowed big real estate projects and rampant illegal mining thereby destroying the environment of Goa. In his PowerPoint presentation, Dr Kamat showed how creeks, rivulets and rivers were converted to nallahs by allowing construction activities. Prof Ramesh Gawas highlighted how mines just 50 meters from the rivers got environment clearance. Surprised with the facts, the Union minister directed Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira to probe into the facts. Consumer Rights activist Roland Martins questioned the long-term plans of the tourism industry and exposed how vibrant democracy at the village level is crippled. Fishermen sought to know why Government delayed to safeguard their houses when they acted swiftly to safeguard a hotel in North Goa. However, Union Minister Ramesh reminded the people that the meeting was convened to discuss only CRZ issue. Mathany Saldanha asked: “When the Government itself is violating CRZ norms to facilitate builders and influential people, how were people expected to follow laws?”.

(Source:http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26652&cid=2)

American interest in mining rights
Matthew Fifield, has offered to prospect and extract Bhutan’s minerals

29 August, 2009 - Oil in the Bangtar area under Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag, copper, gold and silver in the black mountain area of central Bhutan and tungsten in Sarpang are the potential minerals an American businessman J Matthew Fifield has offered to prospect for and, if found viable, then extract them.  He has also proposed that he be given mineral exploration rights for the whole of Bhutan, after which he would get a group of American investors to invest in Bhutan’s mining sector in a big way.  J Matthew Fifield is a managing director in an international mining company Clien and also sits on the boards of other international energy companies.  The department of geology and mines (DGM) under the ministry of economic affairs and Druk holdings investment (DHI) have so far expressed interest in the proposal and are in the process of studying it.  “J Matthew Fifield approached us through DHI around five months ago, saying that he was interested in the mineral exploration and extraction and so we provided him with all past mineral exploration reports and geological data on Bhutan,” said DGM’s chief geologist and acting director general. After going through the data, Fifield contacted DGM and DHI a month later in July, expressing interest. DHI CEO Karma Yonten said, “ We’re very interested in exploring and developing the country’s mineral resources in partnership with foreign companies because DGM, DHI and the government overall doesn’t have the resources and technical capacity to do so.” “What’s crucial now what the updated Mines and Mineral Management Act says on such ventures, after which we can then negotiate and discuss with the company on the details,” he added.  “We’re studying the international best practice and benchmarks on these kinds of projects because we want to avoid examples of countries in Africa, where their minerals have been exploited by big multi national companies,” said DHI senior analyst Kinzang.  Sources say that DHI is more interested in offering sections of areas for minerals development, instead of rights to the whole country. The last time mineral exploration was done in Bhutan was from the early 1970’s up to the 1990’s by the geological survey of India. However, this only covered 33 percent of the country and was not done in great detail. “The GSI and DGM study in Bangtar during the 90’s show potential for oil since all the elements and geographical features are present like organic source rock for potential oil, sandstone to trap the oil naturally and cap rock on top to seal the oil in, “ said Ugyen Wangdi. He said that, before drilling could start to check for oil in them, it had to be abandoned like many other mineral exploration projects in the south due to the deterioration of the security situation.  The GSI had also done studies at the foot of the black mountain area and found small deposits of copper, along with traces of gold and silver. “However, the search never really made it to black mountains due to GSI running short of budget from high exploration costs and difficulty in accessing the area, ” said Ugyen Wangdi. However GSI and DGM came across confirmed reserves of more than half a million tonnes of tungsten in Burkhola and Dhopnai under Sarpang dzongkhag.  “The market value of the total deposit today is around Nu 50-60 billion,” said Ugyen Wangdi. He said, however, that the cost of exploration and extraction was very high and risky and required a very high level of technology not available in the region. If an agreement is reached, then the exploring company is given the mining rights and the government gets mining shares and royalty. “Under responsible social mining, shares are also given to the local people,” said Ugyen Wangda.  The draft FDI and draft economic development policy allows and encourages mineral exploration.

(Source:http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13304)

India to tap Namibian uranium reserves

New Delhi, August 29, 09: India and Namibia will sign an agreement on mineral resources during the five-day visit of Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba that starts on Sunday. Under the pact, India will be able to access the African country’s abundant uranium reserves. Through this agreement, India will also be looking at Namibia’s healthy reserves of diamond, copper, gold and zinc. The cooperation over uranium will be covered under an umbrella framework for development of mineral resources and promote investments in geology and mines in both countries. The agreement was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.  Nigeria is south African region’s biggest producer of uranium and the sixth largest in the world. India has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the civilian nuclear sector with Russia, France and the US. It is negotiating similar pacts with Kazakhstan and Canada.  The Namibian President will be accompanied by a 43-member delegation that includes five Ministers, senior officials, representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, businessmen and media. This is the first visit by a foreign head of state in the second term of the UPA government and is part of the country’s new outreach to Africa. Mr. Pohamba will call on President Pratbiha Patil and hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will call on him.  An official release said several agreements/MoUs for institutionalising bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit.  The delegation will pay working visits to Bangalore and Mumbai besides touring Agra. In Bangalore, the Namibians will visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Infosys and Tata B.P Solar Plant (Electronic City). In Mumbai, the delegation will visit the Tata showroom at Worli and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Namibia has consistently expressed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. .

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/29/stories/2009082960541000.htm)

Vigilance probing 3rd illegal mining activity

Bhubneswar, August 29, 09: The Vigilance on Friday started an enquiry to ascertain whether there has been any illegal mining from the Kalaparvat iron ore mines allotted to B D Patnaik. This is the third case taken up by the Vigilance, which is investigating the multi-crore mining scam. Four vigilance officials went to Kalaparvat iron ore mines in Keonjhar district today for physical verification of the alleged illegal mining, Vigilance SP Debadutt Patnaik told this paper. The probe has been initiated in this case after receiving complaints. The requisite documents relating to mining activities at Kalaparvat mines were obtained from the Deputy Director of Mines at Joda in Keonjhar district, he said. The Steel and Mines Department has also ordered a departmental probe into the case. The Vigilance is now probing the alleged illegal mining activities of Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited and Arjun Ladha Company in Keonjhar district.

(Source:http://www.expressbuzz.com)

Warning against illegal sand mining

Ramanathapuram, August 29, 09:  The Collector T.N. Hariharan has warned that strict action would be taken against those indulging in illegal sand mining.  Responding to farmers’ complaints at a monthly grievance day meeting here on Friday, he said instructions had been given to the officials’ concerned to monitor the movement of lorries carrying sand loads without valid permission.  They would carry out surprise raids to detect illegal sand mining in river beds including the Vaigai.  When a few farmers brought to the notice of the Collector the encroachments in water bodies, he directed the Water Resources Organisation of the Public Works Department to clear encroachments along water bodies before the onset of the monsoon. He also urged the officials to expedite works on deepening and rehabilitation works in kanmois, inlet and outlet channels as early as possible. Mr. Hariharan said steps were taken to sell subsidised seeds in government depots and private trading centres so as to supply to the farmers easily.  The District Revenue Officers K. Balasubramaniam, the Joint Director Rajendiran, Personal Assistant (Agriculture) to the Collector Murugan and others took part.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/29/stories/2009082957610300.htm)

Posco delinks mining from steel project, work to start early 2010

Bhubaneswar, August 28, 09: The South Korean steel major POSCO has changed its strategy in implementing the 12 million tonne steel project in Orissa. The company has delinked the mines from the project and decided to go ahead with the project construction instead of waiting for the mines to start the work.  “POSCO-India has decided to delink mining from the steel plant project,” said POSCO-India chairman, Dong Hae Lee. He said the project will be taken up first.  “The civil construction work for the steel project will start from early next year," he announced. “The legal barrier will be removed by the year end. The ground levelling work will be started from early next year," he elaborated.  POSCO-India had earlier asserted that unless the mines issue is settled it would not start the project work. As the state government’s recommendation for prospecting licence to POSCO-India over 2500 hectares of Khandadhar iron ore mines in Sundergargh district was entangled in a series of legal battles, the company has decided to go ahead with the project construction. The steel company is , meanwhile, gearing up to construct a major road which will provide the strategic link to the project site in Jagatsingpur district . The road which would double as a community road for the locals will engage over 1,500 people in the construction work. This would be the beginning of the POSCO-India’s entry into the project site.  In the wake of rumours that the company is shifting its project site from Orissa, Dong Hae Lee flew all the way from Seoul to meet chief minister Naveen Pantaik and assure him that there is no proposal to change the site. “There is also no proposal to exclude Dhinkia—the village that is considered to be nerve centre of the anti-POSCO movement – from the project site,” he reportedly told the chief minister. Of the 4004 acres required for the project, POSCO has been handed over about 600 acres of land by the state government. The company has received Stage-I forest clearance for the project.  Doubts were raised about the fate of POSCO’s 12 million tonne per annum (MTPA) steel project, considered to be the biggest FDI in the country, as four years have passed since the MoU was signed in June 22, 2005.

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/posco-delinks-mining-from-steel-project-work-to-start-early-2010/508168/)

Kerala Mineral Research Institute in Kollam

Kollam, August 27, 09: The Kerala Mineral Research Institute will be established at Chavara in Kollam. The annual general body meeting of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, chaired by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, has taken a decision in this regard. The meeting also decided to give first priority for the establishment of the Mineral Research Institute. Announcing the decision here on Wednesday, Water Resources Minister N K Premachandran, who is also representing the Chavara constituency  said that the proposed institute will focus on value addition, diversification and technological upgradation of the mineral sand industry by using nano technology and mining technology. Apart from the research, the institute will also provide opportunities for higher education in mineral sand industry. The Government will invest Rs 5 crore as initial investment and the plan funds of both the State and Central Governments will be fully utilised for the institute. The Atomic Energy Commission is also likely to provide funds needed for the institute. It will be established in two acres of land, provided by the KMML. The land will be near to the KMML Guest House and eco-friendly buildings will be constructed for the institute. According to sources, the KSCSTE has taken the decision to establish the institute by overruling the objections raised by the Finance Department. The Finance Department had suggested to start the institute as an in-house research and development wing of the KMML. Now the Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IRE), Chavara, has got an in-house R&D wing, which is functioning in Kollam.

(http://www.expressbuzz.com)

Illegal quarry detected

Villupuram, August 27, 09: A team of officials detected an illegal black granite quarry being operated at Semangalam in the Vanur block, during a surprise check on Wednesday. A release here stated that when the team, led by S. Krishnamurthy, Deputy Director (Geology and Mines), spotted the quarry operating on a piece of poromboke land, those involved in the illegal trade ran away. The officials seized an earthmover and black granite slabs.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/27/stories/2009082759760400.htm)

Coal workers threaten stir on Sept 1

Sambalpur, August 27, 09: Orissa Collieries Mazdoor Sangh (OCMS) affiliated to INTUC has threatened to stage dharna in front of the headquarters of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) on September 1 over 14-point charter of demands. The demands include adequate supply of drinking water, maintenance of buildings and roads, a stop on outsourcing of overburden removal, action against persons responsible for over-production of coal, action against pilferage of coal and diesel, supply of medicines to colliery hospital and dispensaries, reinstatement of retrenched employees and steps to speed up land acquisition. Disclosing this to the media, former MP and president of OCMS Sriballav Panigrahi alleged that despite making profits, MCL is exploiting workers. Welfare of the workers is last on the agenda of MCL, he charged. Even a meeting between MCL authorities and OCMS representatives to address the demands proved futile, Mishra said.

(Source:http://www.expressbuzz.com)

Meghalaya moves towards uranium mining

Guwahati, August 27, 09: Allows UCIL to undertake pre-project development works in West Khasi Hills region

The Meghalaya government has set the ball rolling for the controversial uranium mining issue in the state by allowing Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to undertake “pre-project developmental works” in uranium rich areas of West Khasi Hills. But, the going does not appear to be smooth as the influential Khasi Students Union (KSU) has made its position clear that it will oppose any such move. The state government has agreed to handover 422 hectares of land in uranium rich West Khasi Hills to UCIL on lease for 30 years to undertake the “pre-project developmental works”. Sources said that the decision was taken after a cabinet meeting on Monday. “Pre-project developmental works” would mean construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and so on. But sources strictly said that allowing UCIL to undertake “pre-project developmental works” would in no way mean the government had acquiesced mining rights to UCIL. Sources also said that the change in mood of the state government has come as it had been under “tremendous pressure” from the Centre for sometime to allow uranium mining. Meghalaya is the third richest uranium state in the country after Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh. The state accounts for 16 per cent of India's uranium reserves, with deposits estimated to be around 9,500 tonnes and 4,000 tonnes respectively at Domiasiat and Wakhyn, both in West Khasi Hills region. But, the uranium mining proposal has been under attack from various tribal organisations, NGOs and the KSU. “This is an unfortunate decision. Both the state government and UCIL are trying to mislead the people,” is what Samuel Jyrwa, president of KSU, told Business Standard. “What do you mean by pre-project developmental work? Building roads, electricity are all that UCIL will require here to undertake mining in future. So, the government and UCIL are trying to mislead the people. In reality, these are all structural activities of UCIL to start mining,” Jirwa said. Jyrwa said that KSU would chart a roadmap for opposing the government’s decision in a day or two. UCIL had to wind up its mining operations in Khasi Hills soon after it started in early 1990s due to fierce and violent tribal protests. It had made a fresh application for uranium mining with the state government in 2001. The mining project, which was estimated at Rs 300 crore in 1990s, has now escalated to around Rs 825 crore.   UCIL had, in December 2007, got the environmental clearance from the union ministry of environment and forest for its proposed uranium mining and a processing plant at Kylleng-Pyndengshohiong in West Khasi Hills.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/meghalaya-moves-towards-uranium-mining/368209/)

Smugglers eye sand dunes

Anantapur, August 25, 09: Illegal sand transporters have focused their attention on the sand dunes along the banks of river Penna in the Anantapur district. The Penna river passes through Peddapappur, Yellanur, Putlur and Roddam mandals and is the main source of drinking and irrigation water in these mandals. But illegal sand transportation has resulted in depletion of ground water levels along the riverbank. Though the state government has enacted the Water, Land and Trees (WALT) Act to curb exploitation of natural resources along streams and rivers, smugglers have been flouting the rules. Though the revenue officials had permitted some businessmen to take sand for the Indiramma houses, there have been allegations that some people are transporting sand to Karnataka via Pavagad during the night. The value of each sand-loaded lorry touches Rs 20,000 in Karnataka. This illegal activity is mainly concentrated around Subbarayipalli, Nallur, L Timmapuram and Chinnakodipalli villages in Roddam mandal. The sand dunes at Peddapappur, Narsapuram, Garladinney, Bondala dinney, Chintalapalli and Chinnaekalur have already disappeared.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/smugglers-eye-sand-dunes-581)

Proceedings against 76 stone crushing units dropped

Margao, August 24, 09: Goa government’s Save Stone Crushers mission has finally ended on a happy note for the beleaguered stone crusher owners. Proceedings against all the 76 stone crushing units instituted against the stone crushers in Salcete under the Land Revenue Code stands dropped: courtesy the government’s order date March 2, 2009. These 76 stone crushing units located in the Sao Jose de Areal-Sarzora-Paroda belt have been facing the axe from the Salcete authorities since most of the unit were set up and run sans the mandatory conversion sanads. Inquiries have revealed that the Court of Deputy Collector, Margao has disposed off all the 76 cases in favour of the stone crushers after the government’s order dated March 2 pre-emptied action against the units. As per the check list filed by the Salcete Mamlatdar, Paresh Faldessai, the owners of the stone crushers had carried out illegal conversion by construction basalt stone crusher, besides other development activities. Accordingly, issues were served on the parties to show cause why the structures should not be demolished as per section 33 of the Land Revenue Code and bring the land into original position. Caught on the wrong foot over the Mamlatdar’s action, the owners lobbied hard with the government after the Deputy Collector ordered demolition of 3-4 units during the hearing. But, much against the wishes of the locals who have been agitating against illegal blasting and stone quarrying operations in the Sao Jose de Areal, the government in public interest exempted the basalt and stone crushing units with retrospective effect from obtaining the conversion sanad on condition the units had valid registration issued by the department of Mines, Directorate of Industries, trade and commerce, no objection certificate from Pollution Control Board. Says an official in the know: “The cases instituted against the stone crushers fell like a pack of cards. Almost all the units were found fulfilling the conditions in the exemption order. The officials were faced with no option than to drop the proceedings and withdraw the show cause notices issued last year”.

(Source:http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26410&cid=26)

NMDC reopens the Panna mines

Panna, August 24, 2009: National Mining Development Corporation (NMDC) has re-opened its Panna diamond mine in Madhya Pradesh, after being shut due to environmental reasons. The company plans to produce close to 1 lakh carats of diamond in 2010-11, of which, production of 35,000 carats is planned for the current financial year and around 5,000 carats by October 2009.  It has arranged for investment of Rs 20 crore for purchase of equipment and upgrading the screening plant. The Panna mines are Asia's largest mechanised diamond mines, and the only operational mines in India so far. The mine has a capacity of mining 84,000 carats of diamonds per year.

(Source:http://diamondworld.net/contentview.aspx?item=4135)

Panel flays 3 depts for illegal mining in State

Panjim, August 23, 09 : The ad-hoc committee on mines has flayed the three departments — Directorate of Mines, Forest Department and Goa State Pollution Control Board for the illegal mining in the State. The committee, which has tabled its first report claimed that “these departments have been passing the buck when it came to illegal mining.” “The State of Goa would not have faced this problem of illegal mines and pollution if these departments had to perform their duties responsibly,” the report says. Further, report says, it is well taken that the Directorate of Mines looks after the enforcement of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation Act, 1957), the Mineral Concession Rules I960, both of which are Central Legislations. “...But the Directorate could have very well suggested necessary amendments to MoEF and other Ministries concerned. It should have been the responsibility and duty of Directorate of Mines to check that the mining activity is not done without environmental clearance and other required permissions,” the committee says. The report also says action should have been taken against mining operations that continue without environmental clearance and other NOCs. “It was the moral responsibility of the department to close down or cancel licences/lease of mines, whenever the mining rejects and other mining wastes posed threat/caused damage to paddy fields, fruit bearing crops, drinking water sources and other water bodies within the vicinity of mines,” the committee says. The fact that the deemed clause is being misused by many in the mining sector is known to all the departments. Yet none of the above departments came forward to put an end to this. This could be because those who could stop this were hand in glove with the mining lobby, the members of the committee observed. The Committee feels that the Government should try to make up for its failure to control the illegal mining activities by passing strictures, amending the existing State and Central legislations pertaining to mining and related issues. The Committee feels that all mining operations in the State, with or without valid mining lease concession, should be stopped.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26349&cid=26)

Major mineral mining banned in Haryana ahead of polls

New Delhi, August 22, 2009: In a last moment decision which could be dubbed as an eyewash by the outgoing Bhupinder Singh Hooda government, the Haryana cabinet on  Friday decided to ban mining of major minerals in Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat districts for 10 years unless a mineral of national and strategic significance is found in these areas.  What raises eyebrows and questions the government's commitment to protect the eco-sensitive Aravali zone is that the decision was taken in the meeting in which the state cabinet recommended the dissolution of the assembly. The government woke up over four months after the Supreme Court's blanket ban on all mining activities in May this year.  A government release said, "The decision has been taken in the interest of regulation of mines and mineral development and preservation of natural environment and ecology in the larger public interest. The Central government would be approached for its approval for pre-mature termination of all the subsisting major minerals leases.''   Sources in the forest department said the government could have taken the decision in May itself and come out with both short and long term plans for rehabilitation of the already damaged stretches. "Last minute decisions are an eyewash. If the government was committed, it could have terminated all the continuing mineral leases it has awarded than approaching the Centre,'' said an insider.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Jharkhand asks Centre to rein in PSUs from 'reckless' mining

New Delhi, August 20, 09: Jharkhand has asked the Centre to rein in Public Sector Units (PSUs) from carrying out "reckless" mining activities causing environmental degradation in the state and demanded setting up of a team to monitor their functioning. "Performance of PSUs like Central Coalfields and Bharat Coking Coal is far from satisfactory. The status of reclamation of their mined area is extremely dismal," a senior official from Jharkhand told reporters. "We have brought the issue to the notice of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who has promised to look into the matter," she added. Further elaborating on the issue, the official claimed that reclamation is not taken up on the ground that mining operations are not complete. "They keep on opening virgin areas without exhausting the ore in opened up areas. Abandoned mines, and not reclaimed ones, are the major source of illegal mining." The official pointed out that since proper disposal of slurry was not being done, the water was getting polluted in the region. Seeking Centre's intervention in the matter, she sought setting up of a joint task force comprising officials from Coal and Environment Ministries at the central level to assess the damage done and to work out technical solutions. The official also took exception to the current process of coal block allotment by Coal Ministry terming it as "environmentally detrimental as it was done in isolation and without consulting Environment Ministry." "Non-consultation with state forest department and Environment Ministry has led to environmentally detrimental allotment of coal blocks," she said while pointing out the latest such instance of North Karanpura coalfield where Coal Ministry has alloted 40 coal blocks involving forest land. "These allotted coal blocks encircle hundreds of square kilometer of forest and its wildlife and if mining starts in these blocks it will seriously jeopardise flora and fauna and no wildlife conservation plan can be worked out. "Therefore there is a need for Coal Ministry to internalise the mandatory consultation with the state forest department while alloting coal blocks to agencies or enterprises." The official also suggested special CAG audit on washeries of Coal India. She also mentioned recent caving in of a national highway due to fire in an underground coal mining unit.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/jharkhand-asks-centre-to-rein-in-psus%5Creckless%5C-mining/71292/on)

Government to Act More as Facilitator: Focus on Sustainable and Scientific Mining

New Delhi, August 20, 09:  The government efforts are directed towards creating a transparent concessional approval system and a level playing field for all investors and entrepreneurs, said Mr B K Handique, Union Minister of Mines and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region at the 'Seminar on Indian Mining: Strategies for Growth' organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at New Delhi today. Minister further added that government focus is to promote collaborations in Upgradation of mining technology in India and make mining scientific and sustainable. He said, India's geological setting is similar to major diamond and gold producing countries, with the use of state of art technology and systematic exploration there is every likelihood to discover large resources of base metals, noble metals and precious stones. He stressed that government role should be more of facilitator. Minister said that one of the initiatives arising out of the New Mineral Policy is amendments of mining laws. Government has already initiated an exercise to suitably prepare a mining legislation in consultations with state governments of Orissa, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and West Bengal. The New Mineral Policy is also aimed to remove the impediments to investments and technology flow in mining sector. The minister further informed that government is positioning GSI as principal agency for regional exploration and IBM as principal regulatory agency. Ms Ajita Bajpai Pande, Joint Secretary , Ministry of Mines while speaking on the regulatory issue and government initiatives said that the new draft legislation drafted considering that investment should be economically profitable , technologically appropriate, environmentally safe and social responsible. She added that keeping in mind the environmental concerns, new draft legislation propose to include Sustainable Development Framework within the act.  Ministry of Environment and Forest is undertaking various initiatives like accrediting consultants, model TOR, post project self monitoring etc to streamline the process granting approval and environmental clearances, said Mr. J M Mauskar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forest in his address. Mr S Vijay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines speaking at the seminar said that mining is at a critical stage and poised for quantum jump. He added that today's deliberations would provide valuable inputs for draft legislations. He shared that GSI and IBM have to assume new role of national agency. The acid test for GSI would be executing portal which would act as facilitator by providing scientific information. Similarly for IBM conceptualization of tenement-cum-resource registry would be litmus test for its ability for regulation combined with capacity building. In his welcome remarks Mr Shrinivas V Dempo, Chairman CII National Committee on Mining said that new strategies for growth of mining sector would emerge from today's deliberations and set the tone for steps to be taken to make mining 'sustainable'. He applauded 100 days agenda of the government for its meaningful initiatives. Mr Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII said in his remarks that CII would continue to work closely with the government and other stakeholders for development of sector. Given the environmental concerns with respect to mining, participation of Ministry of Environment and Forest would be very useful.

(Source: http://www.webnewswire.com/node/465667)

Centre asked to rein in PSUs from ‘reckless’ mining

New Delhi, August 20, 2009: Jharkhand has asked the Centre to rein in Public Sector Units (PSUs) from carrying out “reckless” mining activities causing environmental degradation in the state and demanded setting up of a team to monitor their functioning. “Performance of PSUs like Central Coalfields Ltd and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd is far from satisfactory. The status of reclamation of their mined area is extremely dismal,” a senior official from Jharkhand said. “We have brought the issue to the notice of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who has promised to look into the matter,” she added. Further elaborating on the issue, the official claimed that reclamation is not taken up on the ground that mining operations are not complete. “They keep on opening virgin areas without exhausting the ore in opened up areas. Abandoned mines, and not reclaimed ones, are the major source of illegal mining.”  The official pointed out that since proper disposal of slurry was not being done; the water was getting polluted in the region. Seeking the Centre’s intervention in the matter, she sought setting up of a joint task force comprising officials from Coal and Environment Ministries at the central level to assess the damage done and to work out technical solutions.

(Source:http://beta.thehindu.com/news/states/article6251.ece)

Panna mines to be reopened after four years of lying idle

New Delhi, August 20, 2009:Adding another feather to its cap, state-run National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is all set to commence operations in Asia’s biggest mechanised diamond mine at Panna, which would be reopened on Friday.  “Steel minister Virbhadra Singh would re-dedicate the Panna diamond mines to the nation on Friday. It is a matter of pride for all of us,” steel secretary Pramod Kumar Rastogi told The Indian Express. He said the Panna mines, which were commissioned in 1968-69, was lying idle since 2005 due to problems related to environmental clearance and approval of the adjoining Gangau wildlife sanctuary. However, after a conditional nod from the Supreme Court, the miner was asked to pay Rs 10.69 crore as net present value (NPV) to the Madhya Pradesh government. The PSU’s chairman and MD Rana Som said “Reopening of the diamond mines makes NMDC’s navratna status meaningful. The Centre, state and apex court have (shown) trust and confidence in NMDC.” He added that the steel minister’s endeavour in this connection was laudable.

(Source:http://www.indianexpress.com/news/panna-mines-to-be-reopened-after-four-years/504088/)

Environment clearance a source of corruption: PM

Asks States To Develop Action Plan On Climate Change; Seeks Broader Consultation

New Delhi, August 19, 09:  Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for a transparent, fair and hassle-free environment clearance process for any project. Addressing a conference of state ministers of environment and forests in New Delhi on Tuesday, Mr Singh said environment clearances have become “a new form of licence raj and a source of corruption”. “This is a matter that needs to be addressed head-on. There are trade-offs that have to be made while balancing developmental and environmental concerns. But the procedures must be fair, transparent and hassle-free. Decisions must be taken within a specified time,” he said.  Mr Singh said the environment impact assessment (EIA) of projects by the government is a major attempt to rationalise the system of giving mandatory environmental clearance. “I would urge all the states that have not yet established state EIA authorities to do so at the very earliest,” he added. The Prime Minister also reiterated the Indian position in the climate change negotiations that developing countries need access to technologies available with developed countries outside of a stringent IP regime. Even so, Mr Singh stressed on the need for domestic investment in new environment-friendly technologies. “We need to strengthen the scientific foundations of our environment policies and strengthen our capacity to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.”  Mr Singh also stressed on the need for domestic measures to deal with climate change and asked states to develop their own action plan, in consistence with the National Action Plan, on climate change. The state plans would aim to enable communities and ecosystems to adapt to climate change effectively.  “I would urge each state government to create their own state level action plans consistent with the strategies in the national plans. We need much broader consultation with the states on this issue,” Mr Singh said. Mr Singh held the developed countries responsible for the climate change crisis and the current state of environmental degradation. He described climate change as a “major global challenge”, and stressed that India recognises the seriousness of the issue, and that India was aware of its “obligation” to address the crisis. To the global perception that India’s opposition to legally enforceable emission caps is an expression of its unwillingness to take note of the climate change crisis, he said: ”There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that we fully recognise not just how important this issue is to our country’s future but also our own obligation to address it.” Even so, Mr Singh made it clear that countries like India “face the unfair burden of past mistakes not of our making”. However, Mr Singh stressed that as India pursues its development goals, it should seize the “opportunity not to repeat those past mistakes”.  He said India was “conscious” of its “responsibilities” and sought to enhance the ecological sustainability of India’s development path. “As the country moves forward, the growth strategy can be and should be innovative and different. We are still at early stages of industrialisation and urbanisation. Our energy needs will increase sharply in the decades to come. We can and we must walk a different road, an environmentfriendly road,” he added.

(Source:http://epaper.timesofindia.com/)

PM: environmental crisis is ‘alarming’

New Delhi, August 19, 09  : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday described as alarming India’s multiple environment crises. In a candid stock taking at a meeting of state environment ministers, Singh said environmental challenges have made water scarcity a way of life. “Pollution is a growing threat to our health and to our habitats,” he added. The PM’s statement comes in the run-up to a series of international meetings this year, including a Copenhagen summit in December, aimed at revitalising concerted steps to tackle climate change. But Singh skirted the contentious issue of cutting carbon emissions, which developed nations have been insisting that both India and China should undertake to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. Instead, he said India needed to make investments in green technology to cut carbon emissions. Such emissions by India and China are among the highest in the world, although they have repeatedly opposed binding cutback norms on developing countries, arguing that the developed world, especially the US, should reduce their emissions first. Significantly, the PM also recognised the rampant corruption in providing environment clearances for infrastructure projects. “This is a matter that needs to be addressed head-on. There are tradeoffs that have to be made while balancing developmental and environmental concerns. But the procedures must be fair, transparent and hassle-free. Decisions must be taken within a specified time,” Singh said. This included rationalising the system for mandatory environmental clearances, and the PM sought the cooperation of states in preparing environmental impact assessment reports. He also urged states that have not yet established such authorities to do so at the earliest.  The UPA government has already begun simplifying procedures and environment minister Jairam Ramesh has promised to speed up the process. In June 2009, there were over 733 industrial projects pending with the environment ministry for different clearances, according to the ministry’s data. Singh also sought the states’ cooperation for a number of programmes, including the eight national missions that make up the National Action Plan on Climate Change, the Green India campaign and river conservation initiatives. The PM also stressed the need to modernise the country’s age-old forest and wildlife management system. “It is apparent that we have to modernise our forest departments with improved resources, communication and improved training of our personnel,” Singh said.

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/pm-environmental-crisis-is-alarming/503688/)

PM: Green clearances new-style licence raj

New Delhi, August 19, 09 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked people to seek new ways to reverse environmental degradation and resource depletion, which threatened the country’s economic security and well-being. Dr Singh, addressing a conference of state environment and forest ministers on Tuesday, rubbished criticism from developed nations that India was not doing enough to combat global warming. He also noted that "environment clearances have become a new form of licence raj and a source of corruption," emphasising that the process needed to be made fairer and hassle-free. On climate change, Dr Singh said: "We fully recognise not just how important this issue is to India but also our own obligation to address it." The Prime Minister said India’s domestic capacity had to be strengthened to meet growing energy needs, and stressed the need to make adequate investments in new environment-friendly technologies. Dr Singh asked the state governments to frame their own action plans consistent with the National Action Plan on Climate Change unveiled last year. For this, Dr Singh said, access to new technologies available with developed countries was required. "We must also make own investments in environment-friendly technologies." Dr Singh said the scientific foundation of environment policies should be strengthened to deal with challenges. He also noted that water scarcity was becoming "a way of life" and pollution was a "growing threat to our health and to our habitats." On the adverse impact of climate change on coastal zones, Dr Singh asked island authorities to work in close coordination with the Centre for an integrated approach. He also touched on the critical issue of river cleaning and advocated the need to synergise river conservation efforts through innovative models like Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Directing the states to "effectively enforce legal provisions through state pollution control boards to curtail the discharge of untreated industrial effluents that account for 25 per cent of the total pollution load in our rivers," Dr Singh pitched for community participation in environmental protection. "Our tribals are our environmental foot soldiers. They have guarded our forests and evolved a sophisticated way of living in harmony with nature. The Tribal Rights Act guarantees legitimate rights to forest dwellers," the Prime Minister said. Minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh said the Centre and states had together spent Rs 3,600 crores on the forest sector last year. In 2009-10, the total public investment in this sector would be an "unprecedented" Rs 8,300 crores, he added.

(Source:http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/top-story/pm-green-clearances-new-style-licence-raj.aspx)

State favours amendments to EIA

Wants people’s view at public hearings respected

Panjim, August, 19, 09: As the central government has been unilaterally granting Environmental Clearances for mining in the State, the Goa government has sought amendments to Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 so that people’s views at public hearings are respected and that more powers are given to State Pollution Control Board to decide on environment concerns. A memorandum highlighting the issue of environmental clearances was submitted to the Union Minister for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh when a delegation led by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat called on him in New Delhi yesterday. The delegation included Forest Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues, Minister for Environment Aleixo Sequeira, Chief Conservator of Forest Dr Sashi Kumar, Chairman of Goa State Pollution Control Board, Dr Simon de Souza and Director of Science, Technology & Environment Michael D’Souza. It is stated in the memorandum that amendment to EIA notification is necessary as there is a general apprehension that the central ministry is somewhat indifferent to the ground realities of the state of Goa particularly in issuing environmental clearances to the mining industry. Inspite of local ecological, socio-economic and cultural objections which are recorded during the Environmental Public Hearings (EPH), the Expert Advisory Committee of MoEF has chosen to grant clearances. The memorandum also made reference to the objections raised at such public hearings. These include that the EIA studies are erroneous and not always factually correct. The public have also expressed that they have never noticed any agency conducting or carrying out ambient air quality monitoring, ground water/surface water monitoring and noise monitoring at locations stated in the EIA study. More importantly, the objections raised by the public in public consultations have not been considered while granting Environmental Clearance by the union ministry of environment and forest and except in two cases, all the projects have been granted Environmental Clearances, the memorandum signed by Aleixo Sequeira said. Interestingly, it has been mentioned that since 2003, around 141 Environmental Clearances have been granted for a small state like Goa and that too predominantly in four talukas of the state – namely Bicholim, Sanguem Sattari and Quepem. The State government’s or the Goa State Pollution Control Board’s views do not find place in the whole procedure and process, the memorandum says. AS per the provisions of EIA Notification 2006, State Pollution Control Board has to publish an advertisement on public hearing within seven days of receipt of the application and after the hearing, the minutes are to be forwarded to the union ministry. The state pollution control board has not been provided with any role as per the notification. As such, the Goa government made a strong case for amending it so that the State pollution control board is empowered to act and advise the central ministry accordingly. CLUSTER MINING: It has been observed that each mine individually carries out EIA study when in many places mining is carried out in clusters. “Hence such clusters should be identified and a combined EIA study should be carried out for mines operating in these talukas”, the memorandum says. The role of regional office of MoEF can also be undertaken by the Board which will help resolve many a monitoring issues and curb unhealthy mining practices.

(Source:http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=26206&cid=26)

Haryana To Watch Forests

New Delhi, August 19, 09 : August  In its bid to protect its forests and keep a check on illegal mining and non-forest activities, Haryana is all set to make use of geographical information system (GIS). Environment and forest minister Kiran Chaudhry claimed that the government was developing the technology to map forest boundaries, identify damages in Aravalli and Shivalik hills.  Raising the issue of how excessive mining in Aravalis has damaged the environment at the states’ forest ministers summit in the national capital, she mooted the idea of setting up of a national level committee to monitor adverse impact of mining on environment. ‘‘Such a committee will specify the role of mining, forest, environment and law enforcing departments,’’ she added. The minister also claimed that the state has been successful in mapping 85 villages on Aravalli region to prevent illegal mining.  The state is also working out a plan to use the global positioning systems (GPS) for mapping areas affected by forest fires and to assess the success and extent of plantations in the state. ‘‘Satellite imageries to monitor changes in forest and tree cover in the state are proposed to be used,’’ an official release said.  Forest department officials said that though the Gurgaon range recently got several maps prepared using satellite imagery, it was an expensive exercise involving approximately Rs 40 lakh. ‘‘Now, we are dependent on ground reports from guards, officials and locals. But the influential violators manage to hide the truth. Once we have satellite imageries, every single violation will come on record,’’ said a senior forest official.

(Source: http://epaper.timesofindia.com)

Coal India plans subsidiary in Mozambique

Bhubaneswar, August 18, 2009: Coal India Ltd (CIL), which was awarded two exploratory coal blocks in Mozambique in March this year, has decided to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in that country to expedite the exploration process. “CIL will form a separate company for carrying out coal mining activities in Mozambique. This company will be a fully-owned subsidiary of CIL and will forge a joint venture (JV) with a state run mining firm in Mozambique,” a top CIL official told Business Standard. The CIL subsidiary will have an 85 per cent stake in the JV, while the remaining 15 per cent will be held by the Mozambique-based mining company. The modalities of the JV company were yet to be decided, but a breakthrough was expected during the upcoming visit of a high-level Indian delegation to Mozambique. The delegation, which includes the Union coal ministry officials as well as the top brass of CIL, is expected to take up the issue of the proposed JV company to start exploration of the coal blocks. In March this year, CIL was awarded two exploratory coal blocks — A1 and A2 — in Tete province of Mozambique, having an estimated reserve of one billion tonnes. While the exploration of these two coal blocks, spread over 224 sq km, was set to commence within a few months, the mining activities were expected to begin after three and a half years. Prior to carrying out mining operations in Mozambique, the Navratna coal company was to distribute artificial limbs in that war-ravaged nation. CIL has also announced the setting up of a premier mining institute in Mozambique, on the lines of the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. Apart from Mozambique, CIL had also stepped up its efforts to acquire stakes in coking and thermal coal assets in Australia. CIL has called for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from mining firms in Australia in this connection by the end of August. The coal major was keen on entering into a strategic partnership with Australian mining firms having proven expertise in mining for developing the coal assets.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/coal-india-plans-subsidiary-in-mozambique/367348/)

UK council urged to prevent Orissa mining

London, August 17, 09: The Leicestershire County Council has been urged to put pressure on mining major Vedanta Resources to stop a major project to mine bauxite from the Nyamgiri mountain in Orissa. The council has invested 2.3 million pound (rpt) 2.3 million pound in the company owned by the Indian-origin entrepreneur Anil Aggarwal. In July, there were protests in London during the company?s annual general meeting (AGM) on grounds that mining bauxite would threaten the ecologically sensitive Nyamgiri mountain, which is a sacred site for the Kondh tribe. ActionAid, a campaign group that coordinated the protests, has urged the council to act to ensure that the company drops its plans to create an open-pit mine Meredith Alexander, ActionAid's head of trade, said. "Shareholders including Leicestershire County Council are investing in a mine that will destroy a community's way of life and irreversibly damage a unique environment.

(Source:http://www.ptinews.com/news/233330_UK-council-urged-to-prevent-Orissa-mining)

Goa draft mineral policy allows mining near sanctuaries

The Goa environment ministry ordered the closure of 12 mines last week for their proximity to wildlife sanctuaries, but the government's new draft mineral policy allows mining in close vicinity of the protected areas.

Panaji, August 14, 09: The draft mining policy, which was tabled during the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly, clearly advocates mining near the state's wildlife sanctuaries, which are a part of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. "Mining leases/prospecting licences within close proximity from already declared wildlife sanctuaries would be considered provided they adhere to additional safeguards and guidelines whilst operating so as to reduce any adverse effect on the environment," the draft mining policy states. On Aug 6, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira had ordered the closure of 12 mines, including one leased to mining giant Sesa Goa for their alleged proximity to wildlife sanctuaries.  The draft policy, however, does not permit mining within wildlife sanctuaries and national parks "for the time being". "The state government is also of the view that while it is necessary to earmark mining areas, presently no prospecting leases should be allotted in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Similarly, no prospecting leases on wetlands should be allowed for the time being," the document states. The draft policy also aims to evolve a mechanism to end dormant non-operational mining leases issued by the Portuguese government, which ruled Goa before the state was liberated in 1961. "A number of mining concessions are being kept idle for speculative purposes and future mining... The state government is also concerned with issues of conservation of minerals as well as sustainable development and as such would discourage opening existing dormant leases uniformly," the draft policy states, adding that no such dormant leases would be permitted to work without an environmental clearance and forest clearance, wherever required. While the state government's draft mining policy clearly advocates mining in close proximity of wildlife sanctuaries, it also speaks of maintaining the ecological balance in the state. The draft mining policy is the brainchild of Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, who is also the minister for mining. "It would be the endeavour of the state government to ensure that mining activities do not create an adverse impact to the environment and ecology," the policy states.  There are more than a 100 mining leases in Goa's hinterland, which export nearly 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/19552/goa-draft-mineral-policy-allows.html)

Coal blocks for companies setting up end-use industry

Kolkata, August 13, 09: The government is planning to incorporate a provision in the proposal for auction of coal blocks, under which preference would be given to companies, which were willing to set up end-use industries in the State in which they would mine coal. This was decided at a meeting in New Delhi between the Union Coal Ministry and the ministers in charge of mining and geology of the 18 State governments. According to the proposal, if a bidder plans to set up end-use industry in the coal-bearing State and is within five per cent of the highest bid received for a block, then he would be given a chance to match the highest bid and would get a preference. The ministry said that while the aim of the entire exercise (to introduce competitive bidding) was to adopt a system of allocation of coal and lignite blocks which is transparent, fair and objective, the interests of coal-bearing States would be protected. He, however, also emphasised that coal being a precious national resource, its exploitation and use should be in the larger interest of the whole country. The policy shift of allotting coal blocks for captive consumption only through auction was taken by the Planning Commission which felt that companies would have a more direct stake in terms of premium that they would have to pay by way of bid amount which would motivate them to develop the blocks more expeditiously. Till May 2009, the Ministry had allocated 201 blocks with geological reserves of 45 billion tonnes of coal. The progress regarding development of coal blocks either by the private sector parties or the State governments has been less than satisfactory that only 25 blocks have come into production. The ministry has admitted that they too face major constraints.

(Source:http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/14/stories/2009081455951600.htm)

Illegal tag on scrap mica

Giridih, August, 13, 09: The principal chief conservator of forest has sent an order to the forest department clarifying that picking of scrap mica is indeed illegal. The order comes in the wake of recent trouble and a report submitted by the regional chief conservator of forest, Manraaj, in this regard. The directive sought to clear confusion over whether only mica mining was illegal.  Principal chief conservator A.K. Singh said that under the 1980 forest law, even scrap mica picking was banned and no transportation and processing of it could be done. “I have served the letter to all the rangers, police stations and administrative officials and we are going to follow it strictly,” said divisional forest officer Akhilesh Sharma. There has officially been no leaseholder of mica mining in Giridih for the past two decades but the trade continued in the district. So far, the administration and the forest department officials had checked illegal mica mining — its transportation and processing — but had taken no steps to prevent the same with scrap mica. When forest officials tightened the noose on mica trade, the business generated from scrap mica was also affected, triggering opposition from businessmen as well as leaders, including JVM(P) chief Babulal Marandi and rival Rajkumar Yadav of CPI-ML. However, Manraaj in his report to the principal conservator not only justified the role of forest officials on the issue but also vehemently criticised Marandi for being a “puppet” in the hands of illegal mica traders. Marandi, however, refused to make any comment on the issue today.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090814/jsp/jharkhand/story_11358056.jsp)

Govt urged to check illegal mining

Hubli, August 13, 09: : National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) has threatened to stage nation-wide protest if the government fails to take immediate action on illegal mining in Bellary and in the border areas of Andhra Pradesh. Environment activists from across the country discussed the matter at a meeting recently. Briefing reporters about the meeting here on Thursday, S R Hiremath said they have dashed off a letter to chief minister, asking him to check illegal mining.  He said the activists have raised serious concerns about the "biased stand" of the Andhra government, as reflected in their letters to the Centre. "The height is that the Andhra government has urged the Centre to accept its biased survey report, which sided with the Obalapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by the Reddy brothers. It had also gone to the extent of protesting the survey conducted by the Survey of India," he claimed.  However, Hiremath welcomed the decision of ministry of environment and forests to dismiss the appeal made by the Andhra government. But the activists, raising objection to the ministry's remarks that the AP report should also be looked into, have asked it to uphold its earlier stand of conducting a survey by a central agency.  It has said that the survey by a central agency is a must for resolving the issues of illegal mining and the "alleged" encroachments of the borders of Karnataka by the OMC.

(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/hubli/Govt-urged-to-check-illegal-mining/articleshow/4891300.cms)

SAIL eyes iron ore licence in key state

Raipur, August 13, 2009: Steel Authority of India Ltd, the country's biggest domestic steel maker, hopes to get iron ore mining licence in a key state that will help boost output, company officials said on Thursday. The state-run company's plant in Bhilai in Chhattisgarh received this month the final clearance from the environment ministry to develop a mine in Rowghat, a senior company official said. The SAIL spokesman confirmed the development. "This has paved the way for applying for a mining lease," the spokesman said. "Over the next four years, we will develop the mine." The mine has estimated reserves of 511 million tonnes of iron ore and should help the Bhilai plant meet its target in the coming year, said the senior official, who could not be named because of company policy. The plant is raising its capacity to 7.5 million tonnes by 2010/11 from 5.3 million tonnes now. SAIL produced a total of 13.4 million tonnes of crude steel in 2008/09, down from 14 million tonnes in the previous year. Chairman S.K. Roongta has said the company planned to expand capacity in the near future to feed expected rise in demand.

(Source:http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-41743320090813)

Coal mine plan shot down over green concerns

Mumbai, August 11, 09: In a major setback to Adani Powers, the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) has rejected its proposal for operating a captive coal mine in the vicinity of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) for its 1000 MW power plant in Gondia, home town of civil aviation minister Praful Patel. Additional chief secretary (revenue and forest) J P Dange on Monday confirmed that his office had received a comprehensive report from the PCCF, saying Adani Powers should not be allotted the 1750 hectare coal block. "We have received the report. It will be placed before the forest minister Babanrao Pachpute as well as chief minister Ashok Chavan for their opinion,'' Dange said. A senior official said the PCCF has made it clear that if Adani Powers is granted permission to operate a captive open-cast coal mine for its proposed thermal plant, it will have an adverse impact on the environment, particularly on the TATR near Chandrapur. As per the rules, once a proposal for allotment of a coal block is submitted to the Centre, it seeks the PCCF's opinion on its impact on the environment before further processing the application. In its proposal, Adani Powers has submitted a comprehensive mining plan, rehabilitation plan and wildlife conservation plan to the ministry of environment and forest. A week ago, Pachpute had told TOI that till the PCCF submits the report, it will be premature to comment on the on-going agitation against the multicrore power project, while Praful Patel had taken the view that a right balance should be struck between environment and development. "We expect that the CM and Pachpute will take a decision on the PCCF recommendations within a week and submit the report to the Centre,'' a senior forest official said. Barring Praful Patel, all MPs from Vidarbha led by Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar have opposed the proposal for allocation of the coal mine block on the ground that its operation would cause colossal damage to the rich biodiversity in and around TATR and seriously endanger the very existence of tigers in the reserve, rated as the best in India in terms of tiger population. Significantly, even Union minister of state for environment Jairam Ramesh has also stepped in following the agitation. "The ministry of environment and forest has not received any proposal for clearing a coal mining project. As and when the proposal comes, we will take a decision keeping in view the relevant laws and regulations, which are there to protect the environment as well as the tiger reserve. I assure you that protection of the environment and the tiger reserve is my first priority,'' Ramesh said in a letter to environmental activist Bandu Dhotre. In response to the issues raised, Adani Power submitted that a total 1,598 hectares of forest land will be acquired. On approval of the forest diversion plan, land having equivalent area will be handed over to the forest department for compensatory afforestation. "We will minimise environmental impact by good mining practices and execution of a wildlife conservation plan ,'' an official said.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mumbai/Coal-mine-plan-shot-down-over-green-concerns/articleshow/4879405.cms)

 

Uranium mining: Meghalaya may ease Act amid protests

Shillong, August 11, 09: To facilitate uranium mining in Meghalaya, the state government is considering exempting the Land Transfer Act from the uranium rich belt in Mawthabah so that the Uranium Corporation of India (UCIL) can set up a processing unit there. However, Chief Minister D D Lapang’s move has been criticised by NGOs who are opposed to uranium mining.  The Land Transfer Act, introduced in 1972, bars non-tribals from buying or transferring land in Meghalaya. Under the Land Transfer Act, the UCIL cannot go ahead with the mining without clearance from the District Council and the state government.

(Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/uranium-mining-meghalaya-may-ease-act-amid/500436/)

Tata Steel looks to acquire mines for Corus

Mumbai, August 11, 09: Tata Steel is scouting for coking coal and iron ore mines abroad, including in Brazil and Australia, to ensure raw material security for its European operations.  "We are actively pursuing raw material interests in coking coal and iron ore either in terms of virgin sites with significant resource potential or in terms of smaller existing ventures which can be quickly aligned to the requirements in Europe," Tata Steel said in its annual report. Tata Steel Europe, which controls Corus's operations, had imported around 22 million tonnes of iron ore and 11 million tonnes of coal in FY09. While iron ore was imported from Australia, Canada, South Africa and South America, coal principally came from Australia, Canada and the US. Uk-based Corus, which Tata Steel had acquired for $12 billion in 2007, does not have captive iron ore and coal resources. The Tata Steel Group is self-sufficient to the extent of 25 per cent for its iron ore requirements, which is likely to go up gradually to 62 per cent by 2015 as its mines in Canada and Ivory Coast start production, the report said. "Overall raw material security would reach around 50 per cent by 2015 (and) to around 60 per cent by 2018," the report said. Tata Steel would need to make substantial investment in a phased manner to secure raw material from its overseas mines, it said, adding that the company was also evaluating several other mineral projects in Brazil and Australia. Tata Steel India is self-sufficient in iron ore and with regard to coking coal, the company is self-sufficient to the extent of 52 per cent.

(Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tata-steel-looks-to-acquire-mines-for-corus/70391/on)

NH project hits law roadblock

Ranchi, August 11, 09: Land acquisition is delaying the much-awaited four-laning project of NH-33 between Ranchi and Hazaribagh, including a 4km bypass near Kujju, where a portion of the highway caved in yesterday because of a raging underground mine fire. The Union cabinet had given the go-ahead to the over Rs 600-crore project on July 30 but the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) could not sign a contract agreement or issue a letter of intent with/to the short-listed contractor — a consortium of construction majors IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited (ITNL) and Punj Lloyd. According to NHAI norms, a new project can be awarded to the contractor only after acquisition/possession of at least 80 per cent of the land required for the project. In this case, the acquisition process is far from complete. The Ranchi-Hazaribagh road, a 71km thoroughfare, is in the limelight due to the underground fire engulfing portions of the highway. NHAI requires over 400 acre land for the four-laning project, which includes 275 acre raiyati (private) plots and about 145 acre gair mazurua (government) and forest land.  The plots fall under the Ranchi, Ramgarh and Hazaribagh districts where land acquisition officers have been asked to carry out the processes. But, it cannot be started because of a conflict in land acquisition laws. An NHAI engineer involved with the project said according to the NH Act 1956, compensation to private raiyats or the government can be made only after completion of the acquisition processes. “But the state’s land acquisition act mandates an advance payment of as much as 80 per cent of the total compensation before acquisition,” said a senior official of the revenue and land reforms department.  The matter had come up during the visit of Union cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar in Ranchi in June. “It will now be sent to the governor’s advisory council for a nod,” said an official of the department. The project is part of National Highway Development Programme’s (NHDP) phase III and was cleared by the Centre in 2005. But it has been on paper since then and the past three attempts to invite bids for it have failed. To add to the delay, the former director (land reforms) Bhagwan Prasad, who was looking after the acquisition process, was recently transferred to the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC) as managing director.

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090811/jsp/jharkhand/story_11345983.jsp)

Conservator of river permit mandatory

Hyderabad, August 10, 09: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday declared that calling tenders for granting sand quarrying lease on river beds without getting clearance from the river conservator was illegal. A division bench comprising Justice Goda Raghuram and Justice Ramesh Ranganathan was dealing with a PIL challenging the lease on Krishna river bed to a contractor at Kollipara village in Guntur district without getting the prior clearance from the river conservator. The bench held that Rule 9-B (6) of AP Minor Mineral Concessional Rules is mandatory and the authorities should strictly adhere to the rule while issuing the tender notification for granting lease. The court declared that the Rule 23 of WALTA (Water and Land Tree Act) was in no way applicable while granting lease of sand quarries in the state. While allowing the PIL the court suspended the lease granted by the mines and geology department at Kollipara and directed the respondents not to extract sand from the sand reach. Mr A. Sanjay Kumar, counsel for the petitioner told the court that the AP Minor Mineral Concessional Rules mandate the department to obtain a groundwater feasibility report from the river conservator and the groundwater department before the notification for the lease is issued. He contended that the department has been taking shelter under Rule 23 of the WALTA rule by wrongly interpreting that Rule 9-B (6) does not mandate the prior clearance from the groundwater department. Mr Shivaraj Srinivas, counsel for the mines and geology department, told the court that they got a report from the authorities after the notification and the authorities permitted quarrying sand. The court said that getting clearance after granting lease is bad under law. It said that it cannot consider the post clearance in this case as sand quarrying is not considered as a Republic function.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/conservator-river-permit-mandatory-169)

Plea to close granite quarry unit in Madurai

The fine granite dust coming out of the burners of the quarry covered the entire area and even polluted drinking water in the village

Madurai, August 10, 09: VILLAGERS of Adanchan Kanmaipatti submitted a petition to the District Collector during the weekly grievances day on Monday, seeking closure of a PRP granite-quarrying unit in that locality. Azhaguraja of Adanchan Kanmaipatti told Express that PRP had closed the main road that connected their habitats at Adanchan Kanmaipatti and had opened a private road with a check post. This road was covered by granite stones on either side and had become a hiding and breeding place for snakes, he alleged. Azhaguraja also said that the fine granite dust coming out of the burners of the quarry covered the entire area and polluted even drinking water in the village. The granite unit also continued to use explosives within a range of 35m from the housing area which was against the norms set by the Mining Department, Azhaguraja charged and added that this has resulted in cracks in most buildings in the vicinity. N Samilingam of the same village complained that the PRP unit polluted the ground water as well by releasing industrial waste into a water body in Periya Ilangulam. He also said that due to intensive exploitation of the quarry site and the resultant dumping of waste, two tanks in the area have virtually disappeared.

(Source: http://epaper.expressbuzz.com/NE/NE/2009/08/11/ArticleHtmls/11_08_2009_005_005.shtml?Mode=1)

Underground mine fire: Part of NH 33 caves in

Ranchi, August 10, 09: Two days after traffic on the stretch was closed due to an underground fire, a 80-sq ft section of the NH 33 caved in near Kujju in Ramgarh district. Though no one was injured in the incident, the administration has cordoned off a three-sq km area and declared it a “danger zone”. On Sunday, Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner A K Sinha visited the area and asked residents of the nearby Dhora hamlet to vacate their village. “The fire is spreading and we don’t want to take any chances. These people have to vacate,” Sinha told The Indian Express.  The area is above the abandoned mines of the Central Coalfields Ltd and the 56 families in the hamlet make a living by extracting coal. However, the villagers have refused to shift as they have not been provided any compensation or an alternative plot to settle in. “We have no land, no money. Where we will go?” asked Shanti Devi, a widow with three children. The officials have ruled out using force to evict the villagers. Meanwhile, CCL has started boring the area to find spots where the fire was raging. “The process to extinguish the fire can start only after we calculate the location and depth,” said Dheeraj Singh, a CCL engineer.

(Source:http://www.indianexpress.com/news/underground-mine-fire-part-of-nh-33-caves-in/500084/0)

New thrust to uranium exploration: Kakodkar

Bangalore, August 10, 09: In a bid to increase nuclear power generation in the country, where just over 50 per cent of the total installed capacity is being utilised for want of uranium, India will be giving a new thrust to uranium exploration within its borders, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar has said. Uranium mines have been proposed for Karnataka and Meghalaya, Mr. Kakodkar told presspersons on the sidelines of a symposium on “The application of nuclear and space technologies for the benefit of farmers” here on Sunday.  The AEC chairman added that uranium mines in Karnataka have been proposed at Gogi village in Gulbarga district. Mr. Kakodkar said that four 700 MW nuclear power plants would be set up “very soon” in Gujarat and Rajasthan, at a total investment of Rs. 6.5 crore.

(Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081059240600.htm)

Singed NH-33 caves in, 48 families face eviction

- Governor urges coal minister to check fire, fund rehab

Hazaribagh/Ranchi, August 09, 09: The state’s worst fears have come true. Even before work could begin on a proposed diversion near Kujju to facilitate movement of traffic on NH-33 — the state’s lifeline singed by a raging coal mine fire — a portion of the highway near Lohagate caved in today, within 24 hours of mines secretary S.K. Satpathy setting a 90-day deadline for the new route. The disaster has prompted Governor K. Sankaranarayanan to shoot a letter to Union minister of state for coal Sriprakash Jaiswal seeking immediate help to tackle the underground blaze. Sources said that around 3.45am, the stretch, where the fire has been raging for over a month now, suddenly collapsed, creating a 15ft wide crater. Tall columns of gas and smoke spewing carbon monoxide billowed out of the chasm, upping the pollution level by several notches. The blaze reduced rows of trees to leafless skeletons. The district administration rushed a team of senior officials led by Ramgarh deputy commissioner (DC) Arun Kumar to the spot.  Taking stock of the situation, Kumar cordoned the area and ordered shifting of 48 families living in the peril zone. B.N. Sahay, an official from the Union ministry of road transport and highway, also paid a visit to the site. The governor, clearly upset with the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), urged the Union minister to ensure that the best technology be used to douse the fire. In his letter, he said that the CCL management had “not taken the job seriously” even though state officials had alerted its chairman-cum-managing director, R.K. Saha, as early as July 16. “The casual approach led to craters 50m deep on NH-33, which connects Ranchi with Patna,” he said, requesting the Union minister to also fund the rehabilitation of the 48 families who will be shifted to Ramgarh for the time being. “The CCL is legally mandated to rehabilitate them,” he pointed out. Talking to The Telegraph, DC Kumar said: “Our primary concern is to shift the 48 families from the affected zone at the earliest. I have instructed officials of CCL to speed up efforts in this regard. We have even served notices to the people.” But the residents are not willing to follow the administration’s directive yet. “We have been living here for the past 35 years and cannot move elsewhere just like that. The administration has no plans to rehabilitate us and we will not follow any groundless order,” said Ramesh, a local resident. Meanwhile, Hazaribagh MP Yashwant Sinha blamed both the state and the CCL for “not taking appropriate action” to aver the cave-in. “The lackadaisical attitude of both the administration and these two companies are to be blamed for the collapse of the highway — the lifeline of the state,” he said. Though the CCL and the district administration had earlier expressed helplessness in dousing the fire, teachers of Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) believe that the situation could have been controlled. Head of science department Ramyatan Prasad and former director of higher education K.K. Srivastava said that the first step should have been blocking the oxygen supply to the abandoned CCL mines. Then, liquid nitrogen and sand could have been used to douse the flames, they added. V.V. Dogra of Bhagalpur University said: “At this stage, it is more important to control the fire. In the past few days, the fire had spread rapidly. If no concrete action is taken immediately, Kujju will soon become another Jharia.”

(Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090810/jsp/frontpage/story_11341653.jsp)

Pirna locals protest proposed mining activities

Mayem, August 09, 09: Residents of Pirna and Nadora in Bardez taluka on Sunday strongly protested against the proposed mining activities in the area. The meeting of the villagers was convened at Nadora on Sunday, where about 500 villagers strongly opposed the decision of Central Pollution Board to give clean chit to one mining company to start mining activities in the area. Environmentalist Prof Rajendra Kerkar, Ramesh Gawas, former MLA Sadanand Tanawde, Nadora Sarpanch Madhura Mandrekar, Yoganand Gawas, Umesh Naik, Mahadev Gawas and others were present at the meeting. In his speech, Ramesh Gawas lambasted the government for turning a blind eye to the villagers’ requests. Rajendra Kerkar said that villagers should fight against the proposed mining activity, otherwise the beauty of the village would be destroyed. Sangam Bhosle, Yoganand Gawas, Sadanand Tanawde and others including Nadora sarpanch strongly opposed the mining. Yoganand Gawas welcomed, while Shashidhar Halarnkar compered the meeting.

(Source: http://oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=25722&cid=26)

AP mulls jt venture with NMDC for iron ore, gold exploration

Hyderbad, August 09, 09 The Andhra Pradesh Government is contemplating to float a joint venture company with equal stake from Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC). The proposed joint venture is meant to focus exclusively on exploration of iron ore and gold deposits.  This was decided in a review meeting by Chief Minister, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, with the Union Minister of State for Steel, Mr A. Sai Pratap and officials of NMDC and APMDC here on Saturday. The high-level team met to discuss on the need for involvement of APMDC and NMDC in low grade iron exploitation in Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor and Karimnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh for establishment of beneficiation plants.  In his presentation, Mr V. D. Rajagopal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of APMDC, detailed the low grade iron ore deposits in the State and explained need for a joint venture between APMDC and NMDC. The Chief Minister stated that the main idea was to get low grade iron ore reserves upgraded so that they could be marketed. “There will be revenue generation as well as employment creation,” he said. A time-frame should be decided to work further on the JV proposal, he added. The estimated reserves of iron ore in Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor and Karimnagar Districts of Andhra Pradesh are about 200 million tonnes. Ms Y. Srilakshmi, Secretary to Goverment of AP, (Industries and Commerce), Mr Rajesh Tiwari, Secretary to Government of AP (Revenue), Mr Rana Som, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC and other senior officials were present in the meeting, according to a release.

(Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081050911300.htm)

NGOs protest move to exempt mining areas

Amendment of Land Transfer Act

Shillong, August 09, 09: The Government's proposal to exempt the uranium mining areas in Mawthabah from the purview of the Land Transfer Act (LTA), as expected, was protested by two prominent NGOs - the KSU and Langrin Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) - spearheading the anti-uranium campaign.  Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, KSU president Samuel Jyrwa said the proposal of the State Government is totally unacceptable since its only aim was to facilitate the proposed uranium mining project in the State. Mr Jyrwa said, "the proposal came as a major shock for us, especially at a time when the State Government had just constituted a committee to look into the amendments of the Act," while informing that the committee has been shouldered with the responsibilities to find out an acceptable solution to 'increase the coverage of the Act in other areas of the State, especially in Garo Hills.'  The committee to amend the Land Transfer Act was constituted by the Government on August 4, under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong and Revenue Minister Prestone Tynsong as vice-chairman, apart from eight NGOs from the State, including Khasi Students' Union (KSU) and Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo Peoples (FKJGP). The job of the committee is to add more teeth to the Act to restrict other tribes from the North-East states, who settled in Meghalaya from involving in land transaction.  A flummoxed KSU president said "I could not understand the mind of the Government." "On one hand, it speaks about the protection of the land of the indigenous tribes of the State. On the other hand, it moves to exempt mining areas, that will predictably cough up crores of rupees, from the purview of the Act in order to give the UCIL the liberty to start the proposed uranium mining project without bothering of getting the no objection certificate." It was unfortunate that the Chief Minister, as the head of the State, is making such a huge commitment only to pacify an NGO, which is the frontal organization of the UCIL, the KSU leader claimed. "If Mr Lapang is really serious with this matter, then he must be prepared for a strong resistant from the KSU. We would continue to oppose any proposals to facilitate the uranium mining project," Mr Jyrwa cautioned. Echoing the same views, LYWA president BS Lyngdoh said the proposed idea of the government is totally against the interest of the State. "The issue of uranium mining is an issue of the life and death of not only the people of the West Khasi Hills, but of the whole State," Mr Lyngdoh said adding that LYWA will strongly oppose any move by the Government to facilitate uranium mining. He also pointed out that the proposed idea of the Government does not hold any water since the State has a very unique land tenure system of which maximum of the land is owned by the people and the government has no control on it. Commenting on the Committee to review the Act, Mr Lyngdoh asserted that it was formed with the objective to ensure that areas like European Ward are covered under the Act so as to ensure that the interests of the local tribals are protected. "Now, if the Government wants to exempt the uranium mining areas in Mawthabah from the purview of the Land Transfer Act, then the purpose of constituting such a committee it is a futile exercise," he said.  He also stated that organizations like Langrin Warsan Lyngdoh Socio Economic Development Association are not concerned on the ill effects of uranium mining since their main agenda is to fulfill their own interests. The KSU and LYWA have been opposing uranium mining in the State on the issues of health hazards, displacement of local villagers and influx.

(Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/shillong.html)

'Mining sector needs amendment'

Mangalore, August 09, 09: Inaugurating a two-day international workshop on winning strategies to revitalise the mining sector organised by the mining department of NIT-K here on Saturday, the Director-General of Mines Safety S J Sibal noted that the process of bringing about the necessary amendments to take care of contemporary realities of the mining sector is currently in the advanced stage. Sibal was the chief guest at the function. There is need for flexible regulation of mining sector in India with simple easy process for amendment to keep such regulations updated and in pace with changing needs of the industry. In this direction, a gradual shift from the highly prescriptive legislation of the present to a goal setting legislation with built in mechanism for risk assessment and formulation of safety, health and environment management plan, he said. Citing some of the amendments, Sibal said it seeks to introduce the concept of risk assessment and risk management in every mine, right from the planning to execution as well as the closure stages of the mine. It incorporates the appropriate occupational, safety, health and technical requirements necessitated due to introduction of high capacities machinery and system in large mechanised open cast mines, Sibal explained.  Noting that environmental impact due to mining is a major issue all over the world today, because the impacts are quite significant and revealing, he said awareness of the general mass against environmental damage has increased and the industry is under critical scanning. The environmental laws are stringent and captains of mining and mineral industry do not have any alternative but to go in for eco-friendly mining practices. D N Prasad, director (mines), Union ministry of coal said the need of the hour is to give IT skills to students opting to study mining as a subject, a move which will increase their chances of employability in the mining sector. Noting that energy plans of the nation is coal dependent for the next three to four decades, Prasad said institutes should focus on this vital area and prepare students to meet challenges in different areas of mining.  Surendra Mohan, director (mines), Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd expressed concern about scenario in research and development activities in mining sector, which he said was dismal. Research in mining is mainly guided by the industrial problems. Industry oriented research programmes may not have a big impact but if they are beneficial to the mining activities even in a small way, should be encouraged at all levels, Mohan added.  The director of NIT-K Sandeep Sancheti, who presided over the function said, NIT-K would take steps to introduce PG diploma in mining safety. Observing that a SWOT analysis carried out by the mining department, which is celebrating its silver jubilee year this year has cited lack of adequate research and development, he said NIT-K will spur research and innovation by giving due attention to needs of the department in this regard.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mangalore/Mining-sector-needs-amendment/articleshow/4874558.cms)

Bhati and Viliena locals oppose renewal of mining lease in Goa

August 09, 09: Times of India reported that the proposed renewal of a mining lease to work iron ore and ferromanganese mines in Bhati and Viliena admeasuring about 200 odd hectares within the catchment area of south Goa's lifeline, Selaulim dam has raised protests from residents, as they fear large scale destruction of forest, water resources and agriculture. Villagers pointed out that the mines are sought to be operated in the sensitive buffer zone of the dam which supplies water to 4 talukas. The Kumari River a tributary which flows into Selaulim dam is likely to be silted by the run offs from the rejection and agriculture being the mainstay of their livelihood will be wiped off. The Cajucodil Molla iron ore mine is located in Viliena the second one Nuilitembo Fatratembo iron ore at Bhati, Viliena and Paicatembo ferro manganese mine at Viliena. The environmental public hearing conducted at Laxmi temple, Viliena, Sanguem was a noisy one as enraged villagers opposing mining activities almost clashed with supporters of the lease renewal including the village sarpanch. Mr Mahadev Bhatikar a villager raised a preliminary objection alleging that the public hearing was being held though the lease had lapsed. However, a company official explained that his firm had applied to the directorate of mines and geology for renewal of the lease within the stipulated time, as required under the law. On the basis of this explanation the additional collector overruled the objection. Mr Manohar Palyekar a panch and Mr Sanjay Kundaikar pointed out that the sites of the mines were in the proximity of the dam's storage area, which increased during peak rainy season. Mr Suresh Kakodkar Santosh Bhandari and Mr Sanjay Bhandari who also presented a memorandum on behalf of Gram Bachav Samiti signed by 161 residents, said that mining activities in an area already suffering from mining problems will not only destroy the flora and fauna but also people's livelihood. Chanda Rama Velip supported the renewal of the mining lease if various assurances given by the company officials were adhered to. (Sourced from Times of India)

(http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/09/MTA2MzQ1/Bhati_and_Viliena_locals_oppose_renewal_of_mining_lease_in_Goa.html)

SAIL BSP Rowghat mine project gets eco approval

August 09, 09: BL reported that Steel Authority of India Limited’s Bhilai Steel Plant has received the final clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for its Rowghat iron ore mine project. The plant authorities can now submit the application for mining lease to the Chhattisgarh Government. It is hoped that the application will be approved soon. Located about 185 kilometres south of Bhilai in the districts of Narainpur and Kanker in Chhattisgarh, Rowghat falls under Matla Reserved Forest Area. It has iron ore deposits of grade 62% Fe to be used by BSP to meet its requirement following the capacity expansion in progress. BSP first applied to the Ministry for forest clearance for Rowghat as early as in 1983 and for environment clearance in 1987. But the applications, as the sources pointed out, started moving only recently at the initiative of the State Government. The first stage forest clearance was obtained in October 2008, the environment clearance in June 2009 and the final forestry clearance only a few days ago. (Sourced from BL)

(http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/09/MTA2MjQ0/SAIL_BSP_Rowghat_mine_project_gets_eco_approval.html)

Goa to close mines near wildlife sanctuaries

Panaji, August 6, 09: All mines located near wildlife sanctuaries in Goa will be closed within seven days, Goa Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira said here Thursday.

Speaking at the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly, Sequeira said that his ministry had received several complaints from the forest department, which said that there were several mines functioning within one kilometre of a wildlife sanctuary. "The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has received letters from the forest department mentioning certain mines located within a kilometre of wildlife sanctuaries," Sequeira told the house. The minister however did not specify the exact number of mines in the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuaries. "I assure the house, that within seven days, air and water consent given to these mines will be withdrawn and they will be directed to stop," he said.  Sequeira further said that the reconstitution of the GSPCB would help crack down on illegal mining. "Each department was playing football with such complaints earlier. Now in the reconstituted GSPCB, all the heads of departments (related to mining) have been accommodated. I hope this will mean a coordinated team effort from now on. And these types of lapses will not happen," he said. Leader of the opposition Manohar Parrikar alleged that nearly 18 percent of Goa's 33 million crore mining exports were fed by illegal mining.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/18184/goa-close-mines-near-wildlife.html)

Jharia rehab drive under fire

Dhanbad, August, 5, 09: Dissatisfied with the progress of the ongoing fire zone rehabilitation, Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti, a frontal organisation fighting against forced evacuation, has decided to launch awareness campaigns among school students and masses, along with a peace rally pressing for residents’ right to rehabilitation. Labelling the rehabilitation process on at Bokapahari area as dissatisfactory, the secretary of Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti, Madan Lal Khanna, said that the people were not being compensated according to norms stated in an affidavit submitted by Supreme Court in this regard. “Residents are not being compensated enough,” said Khanna, adding that an awareness drive was necessary to make the masses aware of their right to aid. The samiti is also planning to screen a documentary highlighting upon the ill effects of open cast mining among students of Class IX and above. The group would also organise a peace rally in the future to press for their rehabilitation demand, to be made according to provisions of the apex court affidavit. “We have pressurised the company to carry out sand stowing in areas adjoining the township. For that, the firm would have to make bore-holes and invest a little money and effort,” said Khanna, adding that fire-fighting was an integral part of the R&R master plan submitted by the Centre.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090806/jsp/jharkhand/story_11324766.jsp)

Panel to check polluting kilns

Jamshedpur, August, 5, 09: A task force will be constituted for monitoring pollution caused by brick kilns. The task force will work under the district mining officer and is being constituted in view of a recent directive from the state chief secretary. At present, more than 30 brick kilns are operational in and around the city. District mining officer Ratnesh Sinha said: “We have recently received a letter from the chief secretary, directing us to form a task force. The process for constituting the task force has started.” The proposed task force would have members from the mining office and regional pollution control board. Task force members would also assess the river and soil pollution caused by brick kilns located at near a river. According to Sinha, action would be taken against the brick kiln owners who are not following the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  An official in the regional office of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) said that there were a number of directives laid down for the brick kiln owners.  “Apart from river and soil pollution, an ill-kept brick kiln also causes air pollution. However, a few changes in the design of brick kilns can reduce emission to a great extent. Not using fly ash in the product also amounts to violation of the Central Pollution Control Board’s guidelines,” said a Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board official. He added that burning of coal in brick kilns results in the release of several air pollutants such as, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and suspended particulate matter. These emissions can damage health of people and animals living in vicinity of the kilns. Health of kiln workers is also at risk.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090806/jsp/jharkhand/story_11324465.jsp)

India threatens Vedanta with prosecution over sacred mountain

August 5, 09: India's environment and forests minister today warned the British mining company Vedanta Resources that it would be prosecuted if it went ahead with plans to open a bauxite mine in a sacred part of India without full permission from the Indian government. "They have got environmental approval in principle. They have not got full forest clearance. If mining is taking place in Niyamgiri, then it is illegal," said Jairam Ramesh, the environment minister, speaking in India's upper house. "They can be prosecuted." Meredith Alexander, of ActionAid, said: "Ramesh is rattling their cage. He is reminding them that he is watching them and if they go ahead without full permissions there will be consequences. "They have already started work on a conveyor belt to take ore from the mine to the refinery, so Vedanta is behaving as if they have permission and it is fantastic that the minister for the environment and forests is reminding them that all the Is need to be dotted and the Ts need to be crossed before they can start digging." Vedanta plans to open the mine on Niyamgiri mountain in the state of Orissa, eastern India, in September. Activists believe it will have catastrophic effects on the region's ecosystem and threaten the future of the 8,000-strong Dongria Kondh tribe. Stephen Corry, a director of charity Survival International, said: "Minister Ramesh's statement is welcome news to the Dongria Kondh and their supporters. It has long been obvious that Vedanta's project flouts both national and international law. The Dongria have made their views clear through months of protests and road blocks: they don't want this mine. The only real beneficiary is Vedanta's owner, who will become even richer while the Dongria are reduced to destitution." Ramesh has said that all applications for mining in forest areas now requires not only the forestry clearances, but also evidence that the rules of the Tribal Rights Act have been followed. "Had the Tribal Acts been in place, the chances are that this project [of Vedanta] would not have been cleared in the first place," he added. Last week, the inspector general of forests wrote to all the state governments in India insisting that all diversions of forest land for projects like mines must have the written permission of all the affected village councils. "Had this been in place when Vedanta first applied for forest clearance for the Niyamgiri project, it would have stopped the mine in its tracks, due to local opposition," said Jo Woodman at Survival. A statement from Vedanta said: "Vedanta Resources has always made clear that we would not commence mining until we had all the relevant permissions. We are working within the law and we will commence work only when all environmental clearances have been granted."

(Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/aug/05/vedantaresources-india)

NMDC offers free ore survey

Ranchi, August 4, 09: An offer of free assessment of its iron ore reserves has come Jharkhand’s way.  Chairman-cum-managing director of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Rana Som has given the proposal to the state, saying that they would like to undertake the task with the help of the latest drilling technology in near future. Welcoming the offer, state industry secretary N.N. Sinha said it was “very positive”.  Som was here to take part in a summit, “Mining — Advantage Jharkhand,” sponsored by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham.  “Jharkhand has proven reserve of 2,500 million tonnes (2.5 billion tonnes) of iron ore mainly concentrated in the West Singhbhum region. “But geological data suggests the presence of over 4,000 million tonnes of deposits. A scientific exploration will be of great use for the state and other stakeholders, who will be in a position to access a good data bank,” Som told The Telegraph. Besides offering to undertake the exploration for free, NMDC — the largest iron ore producing corporation in the country — has made it clear that it will not claim a pie of the reserves against the task, which will be a kind of prospecting work. In response, the industry secretary said that the state might decide in favour of entrusting the task to the corporation, as it will not involve any expenses.  Som added that through drilling, many things can be established about the exact underground layer such as what grade of iron ore the particular reserve contains, the depth and span. “There is a provision of Rs 40 crore for conducting drilling/exploration task to get scientific deposits of major minerals across the country. The fund can be utilised for Jharkhand too,” he pointed out. Replying to another question, Som said that stopping export of iron ore from the country is not at all a wise proposition as India still consumes only around 200 million tonnes of iron ores locally. “Stopping export of iron ores till more greenfield projects come up here will be like stopping mining activities, which is a major economic exercise in mineral-rich states offering employment,” Som said.  Mines secretary Santosh Kumar Satpathy told The Telegraph that the state has about 3,770 million tonnes of proven and probable reserves and exploration of iron reserves to know the exact deposit is a costly venture. Assocham secretary-general D.S. Rawat demanded that Jharkhand should streamline its clearance procedures to speed up industrialisation.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/jharkhand/story_11320061.jsp)

Gram sabha nod must for mining proposals

New Delhi, August 4, 2009: In a giant leap towards making the Forest Rights Act effective, the environment ministry has informed states that it would not approve any forest clearance proposals till the consent of the gram sabhas has been sought for the projects The move, bound to come as a shocker to the infrastructure project proponents, especially the mining lobby, would ensure that the provisions of the Forest Rights Act are not ignored while handing over forest lands to developers. The Forest Rights Act, the implementation of which is in the hands of the tribal affairs ministry, is meant to hand back traditional rights of the forest dwellers in a time-bound fashion. It also demands that forest lands cannot be diverted without first settling the individual and community rights of the tribals and others dependent.

(Source:http://epaper.timesofindia.com)

Coal India may get 130 blocks to meet its production target

New Delhi, August 03, 09: In a major shift from its policy to equip the state-run and private power utilities with captive coal blocks to meet their production needs, the Coal Ministry is now actively considering allocating nearly 130 blocks to its behemoth Coal India Limited (CIL). It believes that if the blocks are not given to the state-run giant, then it will not be able to achieve a production target of 520 million tonnes by 2020. “CIL intends to produce 520 million tonnes of coal by 2020 but it does not have adequate blocks to achieve that as many of them have already been allocated to the state-run as well as private power and steel utilities for captive use to meet their growing energy needs. So we are planning to allocate 130 blocks having estimated coal reserves of nearly 38 billion tonnes to it in the near future,” a coal ministry official said. The PSU seems to have told the ministry that its production will begin to fall from 2015-16 if adequate coal reserves are not entrusted to it to meet the nation’s growing energy needs as well as to reduce its import dependence. As of now, CIL has 170-180 blocks under its fold. “CIL argues that is imperative to have these blocks under its fold to maintain its operational viability, even as it is mulling to import 4 million tonnes of coal for the current fiscal for the power sector. The ministry fully endorses CIL’s contention as it believes that the PSU remains the primary source of coal for both core and non-core sectors,” the official pointed out.

(Source:http://www.indianexpress.com/news/coal-india-may-get-130-blocks-to-meet-its-production-target/497178/0)

Karnataka plans integrated steel complex in Bellary Hospet

New Delhi, August 03, 09: Karnataka is all set to steal the march over other mineral-rich states in promoting steel production with the B S Yediyurappa government deciding to set up a 540 sq km integrated steel complex in the iron ore-rich Bellary Hospet area of the state. If the state has its way, then four major behemoths including state-run mining giant NMDC and Tata Steel would expand their capacities there in a massive way. “They (the Karnataka government) are setting up a huge industrial zone in the Bellary Hospet area of the state wherein they have invited four companies- National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Tata Steel, JSW and Brahmani to set up at least 2 million tones capacity steel plants each there. All the companies including NMDC are readily willing to do so provided they are assured adequate raw material linkage and allied infrastructure benefits,” official sources said and pointed out that the state government wants Bellary Hospet area to become a prosperous one by riding high on its mineral-resources. In a bid to expedite investments in the proposed projects, the state has asked the Vijaynagar Area Development Authority (VADA) to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to set up a port at Tadri, which has a good draft, to facilitate sea-based logistics. “The SPV, wherein NMDC has been invited to participate is also planning to set up a railway line connecting the proposed port to the hinterland,” sources said. The total envisaged investment for all the four steel plants is likely to be more than Rs 25,000 crore, sources said. When contacted, NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Rana Som said, “NMDC considers it as a matter of honour and opportunity to set up a state-of-the-art steel plant in Karnataka where it is already operating two mines and is expecting shortly allocation of the prized Ramandurg mines in which it did the prospecting and had been the first applicant. We want to assess the viability and taking prompt actions. Apparently the project will be viable. Our thrust here is to manufacture quality steel, which will be the best for any industry.” The PSU has already taken a lead over others by acquiring 300 acres of land for building residential accommodation for poor people and handing it over to the state government.

(Source:http://www.indianexpress.com/news/karnataka-plans-integrated-steel-complex-in-bellary-hospet/497164/0)

Cheer & jeer for Jharia plan

Dhanbad, August 02, 09: The Centre’s approval of a Rs 7,028-crore master plan to relocate the Jharia township, plagued by underground fires, has invited both grin and grouse. While the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) management is seeing it as a much-needed fillip to its resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) policy, the Jharkhand Coalfield Bachao Samiti — spearheading the cause of the affected people — and trade unions have expressed scepticism over the compensation clause. Welcoming the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in New Delhi that has also approved a similar master plan for Raniganj in Bengal’s coal belt, BCCL chairman-cum-managing director T.K. Lahiri said the go-ahead would expedite the execution of its rehabilitation plan. “We are concerned for our employees living in the Jharia fire zone. The Centre has given us a boost,” he said, adding that the Jharia Rehabilitation Development Authority was looking after relocation of non-BCCL people. “The process has begun in several areas. BCCL will provide the funds for carrying out the plan.” Lahiri pointed out that the plan offered compensation not only to authorised BCCL employees, but also to illegal settlers. Altogether 16,000 houses are being built in non-coal bearing areas of the district to rehabilitate Jharia residents. Besides saving lives, the plan would also “help India environmentally and economically”, as coal deposits burn everyday due to underground blaze causing huge losses to the country, he said. The rehabilitation would not just help the company, which would be aided by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction, but also the state in terms of royalty. “As far as we see it, it is a win-win situation,” Lahiri said. Dhanbad deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh conceded that the Centre’s nod would expedite the R&R process, particularly planning, land acquisition, survey and distribution of identity cards among the affected people. Acting president of Jharia Coalfield Bachao Samiti Ashok Agarwal, however, claimed that the Centre’s master plan held little significance because the BCCL was already carrying out a pilot R&R project in Bokapahari. “We are not against rehabilitation. All we want is adequate compensation for the Jharia victims.” Former Dhanbad MP Chandrashekhar Dubey welcomed the Centre’s approval, but frowned at a rehabilitation plan that threatened to “jeopardise” the lives of the people of Bhuli. “We will oppose any move that aims to evict Bhuli residents. The authorities can consider shifting Jharia fire victims to Belgarhia once that area is developed,” Dubey, also a veteran trade union leader, said.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090803/jsp/jharkhand/story_11314102.jsp)

Coal exports to Bangladesh resume today

Shillong, August 02, 09: Coal exports from Meghalaya to Bangladesh will resume tomorrow after the neighbouring country lifted its ban, official sources said, reports PTI. The ban on coal from Meghalaya was imposed by Bangladesh on June 30 citing high sulphur content which caused pollution, but was lifted after a fortnight as brick kilns in that country prefer coal from the state due to its low ash content, the sources said. The permit for import of coal by Bangladesh has been extended for the next one year. Dolly Khonglah, secretary of Meghalaya International Coal Exporter and Importers Association, confirming that the trade will resume from tomorrow said about 200-250 loaded trucks with 15 metric tonnes coal each is exported every day during the peak season. Meghalaya exports around 5 lakh million tonnes of coal to Bangladesh every year at a cost of 52 dollars per metric tonne. The state government gets a royalty of Rs 165 per metric tonne of coal, which is a major source of revenue earning. This was the sixth time in eight years that the Bangladesh government has imposed the ban but lifted it every time after a couple of weeks due to pressure from its trading lobbies.

(Source:http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=aug0309/at06)

Villagers oppose move to set up thermal plant

Solan, August 02, 09: Even as the Jay Prakash Associates (JPA) has moved an application for seeking environment clearance of a captive thermal plant at Bhagheri, villagers have joined hands to oppose it tooth and nail. Coming forward to register their protest a local NGO, Himparivesh, has openly denounced any such move and has given a call to hold a mahapanchayat on August 9 to elicit public opinion against the plant. The NGO, which met at Bagheri today to chalk out their future strategy, opined that since an earlier move to set up this plant had been opposed by locals during an earlier public hearing there was no rationale in allowing it now. General secretary of the NGO Balkrishan said they would also seek support of politicians, both from opposition and ruling, to support their cause. Interestingly, local MLA HN Saini had earlier opposed the plant while he was in opposition and now since he was an MLA of the ruling BJP it remains to be seen what stance he would adopt. The NGO contended that the plant had already bore 5 pits of 14 inches diameter, which would be used to draw water for the plant. While this huge quantity of water consumption would deplete their natural sources, it would also adversely affect small farmers having their fields in the vicinity.  It also asserted that the JPA were misleading masses by stating in the Environment Impact Assessment Report that the 10 panchayats of Punjab, which would bear its impact, were located at a distance of 10 km while in reality at least five panchayats were located within a radius of 200 to 400 m and all 10 panchayats were located at a distance of 2 km from the plant site and they all would be adversely affected by the air, soil and water pollution. Panchayat pradhans from Punjab, including Surjit Singh from Behni, Jarnail Singh from Massewal, Diwan Chand from Chikna and Balmeet Singh from Maura also lend their support to the NGO at the meeting.  Interestingly, the JPA had now enhanced the capacity of this captive thermal plant from its earlier 25 MW to 30 MW and had, therefore, moved an application for its environment clearance.  The public hearing of this plant had been fixed for September 7, which would help finalise its terms of licence for environment clearance.

(Source:http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090803/himachal.htm#1)

Four states that pollute the air

New Delhi, August 01, 09: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand account for high level of hazardous pollutants emitted by their respective thermal power generating plants. This was stated by the minister of state (independent charge) for environment, Mr Jairam Ramesh, in the Lok Sabha last week. A study conducted by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) entitled “Baseline Health Survey on Chronic Respiratory Illness” on the residents of its adjacent power plant in Rihand Nagar in Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh in 2000-2001 said chronic bronchitis was found to be the most common problem in the area. The ministry realising the gravity of the emissions from thermal power plants, has asked the defaulting power plants to take measures “to ensure compliance of environmental standards”. Directions have been issued to the concerned State Pollution Control Boards “to direct the concerned plants to comply with standards”, the minister said. “There are 23 thermal power plants in the country which are not complying with the emission norms prescribed by the SPCBs,” Mr Ramesh said. sns

(Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?clid=2&id=295640&usrsess=1)