Meghalaya's coal mining licence- THE HINDU- 08/02/2020 - PRELIMS

Context:

Meghalaya’s Directorate of Mineral Resources granting coal mining licence.

Details:

The National Green Tribunal had prohibited biologically hazardous and dangerous rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya. However, mine proprietors proceeded extricating coal wrongfully until a disaster in one of these mines slaughtered at slightest 17 individuals in December 2018.

According to the government’s claims, Meghalaya utilized to win an normal of Rs.600 crores from coal exchange yearly some time recently the boycott was forced.

The boycott had driven to financial misfortunes for the state and had an unfavorable affect on the neighborhood population’s business opportunities.

The state government has been looking for resumption of mining in a “scientific manner”, which would guarantee environmental sustainability.

The Preeminent Court through its arrange had inquired the state government to encourage orderly, secure, logical and arranged utilization of mineral assets and to streamline mineral-based improvement of the State.

About:

In pursuance of the SC order, Meghalaya’s Directorate of Mineral Resources would be conducting an orientation and sensitization programme for all coal mine owners in East Jaintia Hills district.

This programme would involve granting of prospecting licence, preparation of a geological report and feasibility study on resuming mining in the state.

The granting of the mining lease would be under scientific coal mining plan according to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.