Coal auctions: Modi govt's policy push to private miners will cost Chhattisgarh Rs 900 crore a year
Odisha mining auction: 123 companies in race for 11 mineral blocks
Proposed amendments to Coal Bearing Areas Act will change
land acquisition for mining: Experts
JSW Steel seeks consent to surrender Gonua iron ore
mine in Odisha
MSMEs’ SOS to Odisha govt. over iron ore scarcity
NMDC, Ministry of Steel assists NINL to start iron ore mining
Atomic Minerals Directorate looks for lithium in
Karnataka, Rajasthan
Australian High Commissioner meets Chhattisgarh CM; holds
talks on mutual cooperation
Exercise due diligence in clearing mining leases, former
bureaucrat urges A.P. govt
Govt relaxes green norms for projects connecting mines
39 mining projects of Coal India face delays
1. Govt looks to further amend MMDR Act
Coal ministry mulls scheme to allow coal block owners to
surrender mines.
Odisha Iron Ore Mine Block Auction Summary—Phase II
Unlocking Huge Potential of Mineral Exploration;
Odisha’s decision to auction virgin mines raises environmental concerns
‘Single window’ process for all environment clearances on anvil
A possible link basin between Bamer basin & Jaisalmar Basin
and minerals of economic importance - V.P. Laul
Field work experience in Guyana (South America) for
Gold – A travelogue - Dr. Vivek Laul
Workshop on Enhancing Mineral Exploration Through National
Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
Need for increase in mineral exploration activities in
eastern States, says Centre
Odisha to offer five more mines for auction
Salient Features of India's Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015Gouranga Sen
Following the successful initiation of auctioning coal blocks, the Central Government of India has framed the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 for auctioning other minerals like iron ore, bauxite, limestone etc. The article shows the overview of the process and implications.
Mining reform: What the government got right…
Bolstering the ongoing mining reforms
India’s mining reforms juggernaut continues despite concerns
Did Ministry of Mines Disregard Critical Suggestions
on Mining Reforms?
One way to make Bharat, Atmanirbhar is be self reliant in
mineral resource by making Industry friendly policy---FIMI
Saltpetre & saline groundwater of Nagaur- Ganganagar area (Rajasthan) -New possible targets for potash salts and other evaporites - V.P. Laul
Role of private explorers in mineral exploration
to make India truly atmanirbhar – by Uday Pratap Singh
Govt plan to take over mine auctions faces
opposition from a few states
Coal India not to give a push to labour intensive
new mines: Chairman
Long-term impact of Budget on Metals & Mining sector –
A review of last two decades
'Discriminatory': Goa in Supreme Court on mining
leases renewal cancellation
Non-coal mining leases: Pace of auction slows in 2020-21
Workshop on ‘Enhancing Exploration through NMET’ organised
Mountain With 60-90% Gold Soil Discovered In Congo, Villagers Flock With Shovels
Government panel approves mining on non-forest land
without lease clearance
Government panel approves mining on non-forest land
without lease clearance
Odisha government to auction six more mineral blocks
The document discusses delays in signing mining leases for mineral blocks that have been auctioned in India. While 53 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned since 2015, bringing in significant revenues, only 2 blocks have actually been granted mining leases. The main issue causing delays is obtaining the necessary clearances from state governments, such as land, environment, and forest clearances. Unless these clearance issues are addressed, more delays are expected in signing leases and starting production from the already auctioned blocks. This could negatively impact mineral production and availability in India. The government is looking to implement measures like a single window clearance system to help expedite the clearance process.
The document summarizes several stories related to mining in India:
1) The Indian government has decided to stop coal imports for state-run power producers by March 2017 due to an abundance of domestic coal. It has also put plans to award new coal blocks to the private sector on hold for the same reason.
2) The Orissa state government has issued notices to auction 4 new mines, including blocks of limestone, manganese, and iron ore.
3) Many major mining companies' applications for mining licenses are stuck awaiting environmental or forest clearances, putting them at risk of lapsing if not issued by a January 2017 deadline.
4) 33 miners trapped in a Chinese coal mine after an
The mining industry has responded swiftly to COVID-19 by prioritizing health and safety, and supporting economic recovery. Companies have collaborated through the ICMM to share guidance and accelerate learning. Key themes include health and safety as a fundamental value, communicating mining's role, and commitment to building forward better. Companies have implemented strict protocols like screening, testing, distancing and increased hygiene to safely operate. The response necessarily differs across countries and regions based on varying guidance, and continued information sharing is important.
1. Govt looks to further amend MMDR Act
Coal ministry mulls scheme to allow coal block owners to
surrender mines.
Odisha Iron Ore Mine Block Auction Summary—Phase II
Unlocking Huge Potential of Mineral Exploration;
Odisha’s decision to auction virgin mines raises environmental concerns
‘Single window’ process for all environment clearances on anvil
A possible link basin between Bamer basin & Jaisalmar Basin
and minerals of economic importance - V.P. Laul
Field work experience in Guyana (South America) for
Gold – A travelogue - Dr. Vivek Laul
Workshop on Enhancing Mineral Exploration Through National
Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
Need for increase in mineral exploration activities in
eastern States, says Centre
Odisha to offer five more mines for auction
Salient Features of India's Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015Gouranga Sen
Following the successful initiation of auctioning coal blocks, the Central Government of India has framed the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015 for auctioning other minerals like iron ore, bauxite, limestone etc. The article shows the overview of the process and implications.
Mining reform: What the government got right…
Bolstering the ongoing mining reforms
India’s mining reforms juggernaut continues despite concerns
Did Ministry of Mines Disregard Critical Suggestions
on Mining Reforms?
One way to make Bharat, Atmanirbhar is be self reliant in
mineral resource by making Industry friendly policy---FIMI
Saltpetre & saline groundwater of Nagaur- Ganganagar area (Rajasthan) -New possible targets for potash salts and other evaporites - V.P. Laul
Role of private explorers in mineral exploration
to make India truly atmanirbhar – by Uday Pratap Singh
Govt plan to take over mine auctions faces
opposition from a few states
Coal India not to give a push to labour intensive
new mines: Chairman
Long-term impact of Budget on Metals & Mining sector –
A review of last two decades
'Discriminatory': Goa in Supreme Court on mining
leases renewal cancellation
Non-coal mining leases: Pace of auction slows in 2020-21
Workshop on ‘Enhancing Exploration through NMET’ organised
Mountain With 60-90% Gold Soil Discovered In Congo, Villagers Flock With Shovels
Government panel approves mining on non-forest land
without lease clearance
Government panel approves mining on non-forest land
without lease clearance
Odisha government to auction six more mineral blocks
The document discusses delays in signing mining leases for mineral blocks that have been auctioned in India. While 53 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned since 2015, bringing in significant revenues, only 2 blocks have actually been granted mining leases. The main issue causing delays is obtaining the necessary clearances from state governments, such as land, environment, and forest clearances. Unless these clearance issues are addressed, more delays are expected in signing leases and starting production from the already auctioned blocks. This could negatively impact mineral production and availability in India. The government is looking to implement measures like a single window clearance system to help expedite the clearance process.
The document summarizes several stories related to mining in India:
1) The Indian government has decided to stop coal imports for state-run power producers by March 2017 due to an abundance of domestic coal. It has also put plans to award new coal blocks to the private sector on hold for the same reason.
2) The Orissa state government has issued notices to auction 4 new mines, including blocks of limestone, manganese, and iron ore.
3) Many major mining companies' applications for mining licenses are stuck awaiting environmental or forest clearances, putting them at risk of lapsing if not issued by a January 2017 deadline.
4) 33 miners trapped in a Chinese coal mine after an
The mining industry has responded swiftly to COVID-19 by prioritizing health and safety, and supporting economic recovery. Companies have collaborated through the ICMM to share guidance and accelerate learning. Key themes include health and safety as a fundamental value, communicating mining's role, and commitment to building forward better. Companies have implemented strict protocols like screening, testing, distancing and increased hygiene to safely operate. The response necessarily differs across countries and regions based on varying guidance, and continued information sharing is important.
Geonesis - Indian Mining and Exploration update, November Issue released !Geonesis Gemcokati
The government has enforced an ordinance to allow private companies to bid for 204 coal blocks cancelled by the Supreme Court. The prior owners of operational coal blocks can continue mining operations and participate in the upcoming auction. The government will appoint an authority to take control of mining land and operations to ensure continuity of coal production. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal has restricted the Centre and Odisha from granting new mining leases in Keonjhar district due to water pollution from mining activities. Posco India's chairman also reaffirmed that the company will not abandon its proposed 12 million tonne steel plant project in Odisha despite a 10-year delay in implementation.
The document provides information about the coal allocation scam in India that occurred from 2004-2009. Some key points:
- The CAG accused the Indian government of inefficiently allocating coal blocks and providing "undue benefits" totaling over $1 trillion to private companies.
- Historically coal mining was nationalized but exemptions allowed private companies in power, steel and cement to obtain coal blocks. The allocation process lacked transparency and clear criteria.
- Several political figures and their associates faced allegations of influencing allocation of valuable coal blocks to certain private companies, causing significant losses to the public exchequer.
- The scandal grew substantially amid media coverage, opposition attacks and a court-ordered CBI investigation
INDIA’S MINING INDUSTRY TURNING A CORNER....
After several years of contraction, the Indian mining industry
has turned the corner, marking a highlight of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s two years in office.
According to official data, the mining industry notched up
8.2% growth during the first eleven months of the 2015/16
financial year, which is now being touted as a considerable
achievement by the Modi government against the backdrop of
four consecutive years of contraction until 2014/15.
The mining industry also contributed significantly to bolstering
the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which registered
an average growth of 2.6%
during the first 11 months of
the financial year. Mining has
a 14% weightage in the IIP.
The Indian government plans to auction 19 coal mines this quarter after cancelling previous auctions twice due to poor response. The Coal Secretary says 6 mines have been identified for the steel sector and 13 for other industries like cement. The government is considering providing some relaxations to attract more bidders while maintaining transparency. Odisha has identified 4 iron ore and manganese blocks for its next auction. Poland is looking to partner with West Bengal to boost trade, particularly in mining technology, hardware and coking coal. The Bombay High Court has reserved its order on a PIL related to mining in Goa after hearing arguments from various parties.
India’s economy is charting rough waters, with virtually every sector facing growth concerns. The mining sector is among the worst hit, with seemingly-unending bad news impacting it deeply. Despite large reserves of iron ore and coal, India’s imports of these precious raw materials have been increasing. The cover story of MSLGROUP in India’s Public Affairs Round-up, or PAR, explores what lies in store for mining as India enters a crucial election year.
The other important debate in business circles centres around the new Companies’ Act that mandates corporate social responsibility (CSR) on companies of a certain size. Amrita Choudhary, deputy head of content at MSLGROUP in India, argues that the law will alter India Inc’s social approach and prove to be a big opportunity for CSR consultancies.
The document summarizes the key issues in India's coal allocation scam from 2004-2009. It describes how coal deposits were historically allocated by the government to public and private firms, and the process the Coal Ministry used to screen applications and allocate blocks. The CAG draft report from 2012 alleged major irregularities and losses worth Rs. 1.06 trillion due to blocks being allocated without a transparent bidding process. This sparked significant political controversy, with investigations launched into various firms' allocations.
This document provides an overview of the global and Indian coal industry. Some key points:
- Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel, with the largest reserves located in Asia Pacific, especially China and India.
- In India, coal accounts for over 50% of energy consumption and CIL is the largest coal producer. Demand is growing at 8.8% annually.
- Coal is classified by rank and used mainly for power generation, steel and cement production. It is extracted through underground and surface mining methods.
- The industry is regulated through policies around mining, the environment, pricing, supply allocation and coal block development.
- Risks include supply, market, operational and regulatory risks and are mitigated through
The document summarizes the key details of the Indian coal allocation scam that was uncovered in 2012. It discusses that the CAG accused the government of allocating coal blocks between 2004-2009 without a transparent and competitive bidding process, resulting in estimated losses of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. It outlines the process of coal allocation to private and public firms, and lists some of the major beneficiaries of the scam, including Tata Group, Jindal Steel, and others estimated to have gained billions of rupees. The BJP strongly criticized the government and a CBI investigation was launched into the scandal.
This document provides an overview of the extensive coal sector knowledgebase and database provided by Infraline Knowledge Services on Energy. The database covers all aspects of the Indian coal sector including industry overview, regulations, company profiles, coal production and reserves, imports/exports, prices, transport infrastructure, and more. It is updated daily with newsletters, reports, analyses and has over 20GB of information. The database can be searched and filtered in various ways to access relevant coal industry data and insights.
The document summarizes the "Coal Allocation Scam" or "Coalgate" political scandal in India concerning the allocation of coal deposits to public and private companies from 2004-2009. The CAG accused the government of inefficient allocation that resulted in potential lost revenues of over $200 billion. While the CAG report did not find direct evidence of corruption, the opposition BJP alleged corruption influencing allocations. This led to a CBI investigation naming several companies. The CAG also alleges the government had legal authority to auction blocks but chose the inefficient screening committee process instead.
MINERAL-RICH,PRODUCTIVITY-POOR?
AN OVERVIEW OF INDIA’S MINING SECTOR
WHAT IS THE MINERAL LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020?
DURING A LOCK DOWN, WHY IS THE MINING INDUSTRY CONSIDERED 'ESSENTIAL'?
POST AUCTION STRATEGIES IN MINERAL SECTOR
Coal allocation scam is a political scandal concerning the Indian government's allocation of the nation's coal deposits to Public Sector Entities (PSEs) and private companies.
In a draft report issued in March 2012, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) office accused the Government of India of allocating coal blocks in an inefficient manner during the period 2004-2009.
India is the second largest refiner in Asia and the fourth largest LNG importer globally. India's energy demand is projected to double by 2035, with oil and gas accounting for over one-third of total energy consumption. State-owned companies dominate India's oil and gas sector, however private companies have gained considerable market share in refining. Oil consumption has grown at a CAGR of 3% from 2008-2017 to reach 4.13 million barrels per day. Similarly, gas consumption has increased at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2007-2016 to 1,227 billion cubic meters. However, India remains reliant on imports for its oil requirement, with imports meeting 82% of demand in FY
This document provides an overview of the Infraline Energy knowledge base on the oil and natural gas sector in India. It includes detailed coverage of upstream and downstream activities, natural gas and LNG, prices, demand and supply, maps, the regulatory framework, taxes and duties, and presentations. The knowledge base provides daily newsletters, a comprehensive library that is frequently updated, analytical articles, market intelligence, reports, and books. It offers in-depth information on topics such as exploration and production, company profiles, pipelines, reserves, refineries, petroleum products, and policies.
The document provides an overview of India's natural gas history and current scenario. It discusses India's limited natural gas reserves compared to its population size and growing energy needs. The document outlines the historical development of India's natural gas industry since the 1800s. It also summarizes key details on India's natural gas resource base, production, consumption trends, major projects and developments, regulations, and future prospects to meet growing demand.
The document provides an overview of coal trading and discusses the following key points:
- It covers 4 sessions on coal basics, coal trade, contracts and quality, and trading coal and price risk management.
- Session 1 introduces coal classification, properties, mining methods, uses in electricity generation, steel and cement production.
- Session 2 discusses India's large coal reserves, domestic production and imports, key exporting countries and their infrastructure. India's dependence on coal imports is increasing due to stagnant domestic production.
- Session 3 covers typical coal contracts, quality parameters, sampling issues, and the supply chain. Contracts specify parameters like ash, calorific value and penalties for deviations.
- Session 4
The document discusses several topics related to mining in India:
1) India ranks poorly (97th out of 104 countries) on investment attractiveness for mining according to the Fraser Institute due to frequent bans and restrictions that have pushed the country out of the top 91.
2) The Supreme Court's ruling on mining leases in Goa will further damage India's image as an investment destination for mining.
3) The government has opened coal mining to private companies for commercial use, ending the monopoly of Coal India. This is expected to increase competition, investment, and jobs in the mining sector.
4) Allowing commercial coal mining is a possible but not guaranteed game changer due to various challenges around project sites,
The document discusses the Goods and Services Tax (GST) proposed in India. It would replace existing indirect taxes and be imposed on goods and services by both the central and state governments. Producers would receive tax credits to eliminate cascading taxation. The GST is aimed at simplifying taxes, broadening the tax base, and creating a common national market. However, states are concerned about losing fiscal autonomy. The government proposes initial GST rates of 12% for essential items and 20% for others, eventually converging at 16%. Certain goods may be exempt. The bill will be voted on after a parliamentary committee review.
Geonesis - Indian Mining and Exploration update, November Issue released !Geonesis Gemcokati
The government has enforced an ordinance to allow private companies to bid for 204 coal blocks cancelled by the Supreme Court. The prior owners of operational coal blocks can continue mining operations and participate in the upcoming auction. The government will appoint an authority to take control of mining land and operations to ensure continuity of coal production. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal has restricted the Centre and Odisha from granting new mining leases in Keonjhar district due to water pollution from mining activities. Posco India's chairman also reaffirmed that the company will not abandon its proposed 12 million tonne steel plant project in Odisha despite a 10-year delay in implementation.
The document provides information about the coal allocation scam in India that occurred from 2004-2009. Some key points:
- The CAG accused the Indian government of inefficiently allocating coal blocks and providing "undue benefits" totaling over $1 trillion to private companies.
- Historically coal mining was nationalized but exemptions allowed private companies in power, steel and cement to obtain coal blocks. The allocation process lacked transparency and clear criteria.
- Several political figures and their associates faced allegations of influencing allocation of valuable coal blocks to certain private companies, causing significant losses to the public exchequer.
- The scandal grew substantially amid media coverage, opposition attacks and a court-ordered CBI investigation
INDIA’S MINING INDUSTRY TURNING A CORNER....
After several years of contraction, the Indian mining industry
has turned the corner, marking a highlight of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s two years in office.
According to official data, the mining industry notched up
8.2% growth during the first eleven months of the 2015/16
financial year, which is now being touted as a considerable
achievement by the Modi government against the backdrop of
four consecutive years of contraction until 2014/15.
The mining industry also contributed significantly to bolstering
the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which registered
an average growth of 2.6%
during the first 11 months of
the financial year. Mining has
a 14% weightage in the IIP.
The Indian government plans to auction 19 coal mines this quarter after cancelling previous auctions twice due to poor response. The Coal Secretary says 6 mines have been identified for the steel sector and 13 for other industries like cement. The government is considering providing some relaxations to attract more bidders while maintaining transparency. Odisha has identified 4 iron ore and manganese blocks for its next auction. Poland is looking to partner with West Bengal to boost trade, particularly in mining technology, hardware and coking coal. The Bombay High Court has reserved its order on a PIL related to mining in Goa after hearing arguments from various parties.
India’s economy is charting rough waters, with virtually every sector facing growth concerns. The mining sector is among the worst hit, with seemingly-unending bad news impacting it deeply. Despite large reserves of iron ore and coal, India’s imports of these precious raw materials have been increasing. The cover story of MSLGROUP in India’s Public Affairs Round-up, or PAR, explores what lies in store for mining as India enters a crucial election year.
The other important debate in business circles centres around the new Companies’ Act that mandates corporate social responsibility (CSR) on companies of a certain size. Amrita Choudhary, deputy head of content at MSLGROUP in India, argues that the law will alter India Inc’s social approach and prove to be a big opportunity for CSR consultancies.
The document summarizes the key issues in India's coal allocation scam from 2004-2009. It describes how coal deposits were historically allocated by the government to public and private firms, and the process the Coal Ministry used to screen applications and allocate blocks. The CAG draft report from 2012 alleged major irregularities and losses worth Rs. 1.06 trillion due to blocks being allocated without a transparent bidding process. This sparked significant political controversy, with investigations launched into various firms' allocations.
This document provides an overview of the global and Indian coal industry. Some key points:
- Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel, with the largest reserves located in Asia Pacific, especially China and India.
- In India, coal accounts for over 50% of energy consumption and CIL is the largest coal producer. Demand is growing at 8.8% annually.
- Coal is classified by rank and used mainly for power generation, steel and cement production. It is extracted through underground and surface mining methods.
- The industry is regulated through policies around mining, the environment, pricing, supply allocation and coal block development.
- Risks include supply, market, operational and regulatory risks and are mitigated through
The document summarizes the key details of the Indian coal allocation scam that was uncovered in 2012. It discusses that the CAG accused the government of allocating coal blocks between 2004-2009 without a transparent and competitive bidding process, resulting in estimated losses of Rs. 1.86 lakh crore. It outlines the process of coal allocation to private and public firms, and lists some of the major beneficiaries of the scam, including Tata Group, Jindal Steel, and others estimated to have gained billions of rupees. The BJP strongly criticized the government and a CBI investigation was launched into the scandal.
This document provides an overview of the extensive coal sector knowledgebase and database provided by Infraline Knowledge Services on Energy. The database covers all aspects of the Indian coal sector including industry overview, regulations, company profiles, coal production and reserves, imports/exports, prices, transport infrastructure, and more. It is updated daily with newsletters, reports, analyses and has over 20GB of information. The database can be searched and filtered in various ways to access relevant coal industry data and insights.
The document summarizes the "Coal Allocation Scam" or "Coalgate" political scandal in India concerning the allocation of coal deposits to public and private companies from 2004-2009. The CAG accused the government of inefficient allocation that resulted in potential lost revenues of over $200 billion. While the CAG report did not find direct evidence of corruption, the opposition BJP alleged corruption influencing allocations. This led to a CBI investigation naming several companies. The CAG also alleges the government had legal authority to auction blocks but chose the inefficient screening committee process instead.
MINERAL-RICH,PRODUCTIVITY-POOR?
AN OVERVIEW OF INDIA’S MINING SECTOR
WHAT IS THE MINERAL LAWS (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2020?
DURING A LOCK DOWN, WHY IS THE MINING INDUSTRY CONSIDERED 'ESSENTIAL'?
POST AUCTION STRATEGIES IN MINERAL SECTOR
Coal allocation scam is a political scandal concerning the Indian government's allocation of the nation's coal deposits to Public Sector Entities (PSEs) and private companies.
In a draft report issued in March 2012, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) office accused the Government of India of allocating coal blocks in an inefficient manner during the period 2004-2009.
India is the second largest refiner in Asia and the fourth largest LNG importer globally. India's energy demand is projected to double by 2035, with oil and gas accounting for over one-third of total energy consumption. State-owned companies dominate India's oil and gas sector, however private companies have gained considerable market share in refining. Oil consumption has grown at a CAGR of 3% from 2008-2017 to reach 4.13 million barrels per day. Similarly, gas consumption has increased at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2007-2016 to 1,227 billion cubic meters. However, India remains reliant on imports for its oil requirement, with imports meeting 82% of demand in FY
This document provides an overview of the Infraline Energy knowledge base on the oil and natural gas sector in India. It includes detailed coverage of upstream and downstream activities, natural gas and LNG, prices, demand and supply, maps, the regulatory framework, taxes and duties, and presentations. The knowledge base provides daily newsletters, a comprehensive library that is frequently updated, analytical articles, market intelligence, reports, and books. It offers in-depth information on topics such as exploration and production, company profiles, pipelines, reserves, refineries, petroleum products, and policies.
The document provides an overview of India's natural gas history and current scenario. It discusses India's limited natural gas reserves compared to its population size and growing energy needs. The document outlines the historical development of India's natural gas industry since the 1800s. It also summarizes key details on India's natural gas resource base, production, consumption trends, major projects and developments, regulations, and future prospects to meet growing demand.
The document provides an overview of coal trading and discusses the following key points:
- It covers 4 sessions on coal basics, coal trade, contracts and quality, and trading coal and price risk management.
- Session 1 introduces coal classification, properties, mining methods, uses in electricity generation, steel and cement production.
- Session 2 discusses India's large coal reserves, domestic production and imports, key exporting countries and their infrastructure. India's dependence on coal imports is increasing due to stagnant domestic production.
- Session 3 covers typical coal contracts, quality parameters, sampling issues, and the supply chain. Contracts specify parameters like ash, calorific value and penalties for deviations.
- Session 4
The document discusses several topics related to mining in India:
1) India ranks poorly (97th out of 104 countries) on investment attractiveness for mining according to the Fraser Institute due to frequent bans and restrictions that have pushed the country out of the top 91.
2) The Supreme Court's ruling on mining leases in Goa will further damage India's image as an investment destination for mining.
3) The government has opened coal mining to private companies for commercial use, ending the monopoly of Coal India. This is expected to increase competition, investment, and jobs in the mining sector.
4) Allowing commercial coal mining is a possible but not guaranteed game changer due to various challenges around project sites,
The document discusses the Goods and Services Tax (GST) proposed in India. It would replace existing indirect taxes and be imposed on goods and services by both the central and state governments. Producers would receive tax credits to eliminate cascading taxation. The GST is aimed at simplifying taxes, broadening the tax base, and creating a common national market. However, states are concerned about losing fiscal autonomy. The government proposes initial GST rates of 12% for essential items and 20% for others, eventually converging at 16%. Certain goods may be exempt. The bill will be voted on after a parliamentary committee review.
Amendment in mineral auction rules will encourage
more participation: Govt
Current round of commercial coal block auction got good
response: Coal secy
Govt may push more reforms in mining sector
'very shortly': Joshi
Steel ministry panel calls for exploration of
manganese ore reserves
Year-end Review-2021: Centre takes measures in mining sector to facilitate ease of doing business
Brazil's Vale sells coal assets to Jindal's Vulcan
Minerals for $270 mn
Centre gets bids for Neelachal Ispat, sale moves to
'concluding stage'
Bihar govt to allow exploration of mineral reserves
worth Rs 14,594 cr
Govt offering up to 50% discount to commercial
miners for coal gasification
2021 Review of Indian Mining Sector
4th Tranche of Auction for Commercial Mining of Coal – Technical Details (99 Coal Mines)
North-East States of Assam & Arunachal Sets Prices of Coal on Fire with Aggressive Bids of 288.75 & 344.75% placed by State Mining Corporations
Centre firm on auctioning of Singareni coal mine blocks
4 coal conversion projects to help achieve gasification
by 2030: Joshi
Privatisation is the way forward to regulate coal industry hit by
price hike, shortages, say experts
Tata Steel arm to buy govt stake in NeelachalIspat for
Rs 12,100 crore
Restrictions on iron ore industry hampers socio-economic growth of Karnataka
This document discusses the upcoming third round of auctioning of coal mines in India. 10 coal blocks totaling 856 MT of geological reserves and 356 MT of extractable reserves across 6 states will be auctioned. The auction process began on June 8th, 2015 and companies are participating to secure fuel supplies. Details on the auction timelines, eligibility criteria, and utilization of extracted coal are provided. E-auction of coal linkages to the non-regulated sector is also being considered. Opportunities for participating in auctions of lignite blocks and other mines containing minerals like iron ore are mentioned. An overview of the progress made in the first two rounds of coal mine auctions is given.
This document discusses the upcoming third round of auction for 10 Indian coal blocks. It provides details on the geological reserves, production capacity, and state of each block. It encourages participation in the auction to secure long-term coal supply. Key highlights of the auction process include two-stage e-auctioning, eligibility conditions based on project expenditure and coal requirements, and limits on the number and use of successful bids. Timelines for activities in the third round auction process are also outlined.
- The document discusses India's coal auction process and its impact. It provides details on the auction methodologies used, including forward bidding for non-regulated sectors and reverse bidding for power sectors.
- Key aspects covered include classification of mines, stages of the tender process, payment structures, case studies on forward and reverse bidding mechanisms, and analysis of the energy charge in tariff and profit and loss statements under different scenarios.
- The reverse + forward bidding process for power sectors involves initial reverse bidding followed by conversion to forward bidding if multiple bidders quote the same lowest bid price, to maximize revenue for the government. This process aims to balance revenue maximization and ensuring affordable power tariffs.
PM DISCUSSES ECONOMIC REFORMS IN MINING SECTOR
MINERS SEEK MORATORIUM ON DUES AS LOCKDOWN CRIPPLES OPERATIONS
PROPOSED CHANGES IN MINING POLICY TO HIT STEEL COMPANIES WITH CAPTIVE LEASES
Privatization has been ongoing in India since the early 1990s across multiple sectors. The document discusses privatization that has occurred and is planned in the coal, telecom, airport, energy and banking industries. Recent moves by Prime Minister Modi's government include allowing private companies to mine and sell coal, overhauling labor laws to reduce red tape for businesses, and planning to sell stakes in public sector companies to meet increased disinvestment targets and improve efficiency. However, fully privatizing some major industries like coal remains uncertain.
The document discusses several topics related to mineral exploration and mining in India:
1) The Indian government is working to increase private sector participation in non-coal mineral exploration and is preparing policies to incentivize exploration.
2) Industry groups are calling for amendments to allow those with reconnaissance permits to directly obtain prospecting and mining licenses without needing to go through auctions.
3) The government is cracking down on states to complete exploration of 288 mineral blocks by the end of 2018 so that new auctions can begin in 2019 before current leases expire in 2020.
4) Options being considered for a new mineral policy include granting reconnaissance permit holders first right of refusal in auctions or bundling permits with
The document discusses developments in the past year following India's coal block auctions. It summarizes that while bidders bid aggressively to secure fuel supply, changes made by the Ministry of Power have made the projects unviable. Fixed charge caps and changes to fuel cost computation undermine project viability and remove competitive bidding. Several state utilities have opted not to procure power from coal block developers due to complications. Linkage-based power is being procured at lower fixed charges than capped rates for coal block-based power.
This document summarizes India's "Coalgate" scam, in which coal mining blocks were allocated to private companies at low prices with little oversight. It notes that coal accounts for the majority of India's energy needs but many allocated blocks saw low production or companies without experience in mining. The allocations appeared to be made based on political connections rather than merit, costing the government potential revenues. In response, the government has begun deallocating blocks, investigating allocations, and may move to an auction system to ensure fair pricing and serious bidders in the future.
The document discusses the Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) discovery and development of natural gas reserves in India's Krishna Godavari basin. It describes how RIL was awarded exploration rights in 1991 and discovered major reserves in 2002. It then discusses the ongoing controversy over the appropriate pricing of gas from RIL's KG D6 block, with RIL demanding higher prices than other producers and the government approving price hikes over objections from activists. The impact of higher gas prices on Indian consumers and industry is also covered.
Market Research Reports, Inc. has announced the addition of “Commercial Coal Mining in India: Evaluating Potential Business Opportunity, Challenges, Risks, Critical Success Factors, Market Entry & Growth Strategy for Private Companies” research report to their offering. See more at - http://mrr.cm/U6C
GEONESIS is a compilation of various news appeared in different
sources. In this issue we have tried to do an honest compilation. This edition is
exclusively for information purpose and not for any commercial use. Your suggestions
are most valuable.
Your suggestions and feedback is awaited at :-
editor@geonesis.org
Singareni Collieries, India's second largest coal producer, will open the country's largest underground mine next month with an annual capacity of 2.8 million tonnes. This will help Singareni exceed its coal production target for the current fiscal year and ensure sufficient supplies to power plants in South India. Allocating natural resources requires balancing economic growth with environmental and social concerns. While auctioning resources can increase transparency and revenues, proper exploration is needed beforehand and conditions must be established to prevent discrimination. The role of central and state governments in allocating resources also needs clarification to resolve ongoing debates.
The oil and gas sector is a major industry in India, accounting for 6% of GDP. The government has implemented policies to increase investment and production in order to meet rising domestic demand. Key facts:
- India imports LNG and aims to increase domestic gas production significantly by 2040.
- Major players like ONGC and IOCL dominate upstream production and downstream refining and pipelines.
- The sector attracted over $6 billion in FDI from 2000-2016 and sees continued investments in expansion and new technologies.
- Government initiatives aim to further promote exploration, increase access to fuels, and train workers to support industry growth.
1) India has decided to delink diamond mining rights from exploration rights to reduce corruption. The government will now pay for exploration and put any findings up for an open bidding process.
2) The article also discusses India's plans to auction commercial coal mines separately from exploration rights to increase transparency. It aims to end arbitrary allocation of mining rights.
3) Anil Agarwal, who acquired a large stake in Anglo American, plans to leverage this relationship to bring Anglo American's businesses like fertilizer production and diamond mining to India. He aims to invest $10 billion in Vedanta's operations over the next three years, $8 billion of which will be in India.
Top Headlines:
KGF: India’s gold bowl that the British looted for 121 years
Minister Pralhad Joshi urges states to increase pace of exploration of mines
Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi urges GSI to reduce time frame in submitting mineral exploration reports
#IndianMiningNews #MineralExploration #Geonesis
Mining sector growth provides the right fillip to Indian economy:
Pralhad Joshi
Ensure greater transparency in mineral concession auction:
Parliament panel
Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi urges GSI to reduce time frame
in submitting mineral exploration reports
India to invest in exploring lithium, cobalt mines in Australia
Govt opens up mining of new set of minerals to reduce imports
New tech makes eco-mining a reality for Rare Earths
Ministry of Coal puts 122 mines on auction
Set up special courts to punish illegal mining, Odisha advocate
general to govt
Taliban using Afghanistan's natural resources as bargaining chip for international recognition
Mining sector has critical role in the green energy transition
Unearthing foreign elements from the Good Earth.
Aluminium business of Vedanta to bring two mines into operation.
Orissa HC directs state government to set up special courts for
cases of illegal mining.
Coal Ministry receives 26 bids for auction of 11 mines
India aims to reopen discontinued coal mines; seeks
private participation
42 mines auctioned till date for commercial mining:
Coal Ministry
India should focus on procuring minerals crucial for powering
EVs: study
Sarda Mines moves SC to direct Odisha govt to execute mining
lease deed in its favour
GSI stumbles upon lithium reserves in Anantapur
The trials of Goa’s mining industry: A problem of politics, people
and private industry
Navigating from one problem to the next gracefully in the best
possible way......
The document provides an analysis of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2021 in India. Some key points:
- The amendment aims to simplify mining operations in India by increasing leniency in the industry and enhancing efficiency.
- It allows captive mines to sell up to 50% of minerals produced after meeting end-use plant needs. It also allows statutory clearances to be transferred with mining leases.
- Private entities are now eligible to undertake mineral exploration, aimed at increasing exploration.
- Other changes include non-exclusive reconnaissance permits, definitions added around production and dispatch, and lapsing of rights for some concession holders.
- The amendment seeks to boost the mining sector
Bid Takers or Market Makers? The Effect of Auctioneers
on Auction Outcomes - Mr. Mihir Kumar Senapati
MMDR amendment bill 2021 a game changer for natural
resources sector: Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta
Large stocks of limestone in Jaisalmer
Limestone's at different stratigraphic levels in Jaisalmer basin
and their applications - V.P. Laul
Mining: Digitisation can wait no longer
Gold Reserves In India: Min Of Mines Informs Parliament
Largest Resources Located In Bihar
India launches lithium exploration
Odisha issues notice inviting tender for e-auction of
11 mineral blocks
Sustainable growth of mining & metal industry:
A key to achieve $5 tn vision
1. What lies beneath: Mineral mining in India
2. Understanding the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021
3. Centre usurping powers of mineral-rich states by amending Mines and Minerals Act
4. Iron Ore Pricing - A Juggernaut - By Mantu Biswas
5. A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF STEEL GRADE LIMESTONE IN LOWER TERTIARY SEQUENCE, JAISALMER DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN Discovery, investigations, resources and mineability - By V.P. LAUL
6. MMDR, Amendment Act 2021, Mining Industries Perspective
7. India to explore if there can be co-development of mining and ecology
8. Government Likely To Frame Policy On Project Financing In
Coal Mining: Official
9. Odisha Mining industries seek public hearing through online mode
10. GOA: Mining corp before May 30
11. India’s Iron Man: The Unsung Pioneer Who Made JN Tata’s
Industrial Dream A Reality!
12. Amendment- 21 astructured approach to revamp mineral sector
13. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON INDIAN MINING INDUSTRY: A
SPOTLIGHT - Abhay Kumar Soni
India’s new mining reforms explained
India’s mining industry is currently going
through it’s greatest legislative shake up
in a generation, with India’s Government
claiming that reforming the sector is vital
for the country’s economic growth. We
look at what India’s mining reforms
could mean for the industry.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in
December 2020, India’s Minister of
Mines Pralhad Joshi reaffirmed the na-
tion’s commitment to “structural re-
forms” to its mining sector, “to increase
participation of the private sector in min-
eral exploration and redefine the norms of
exploration for auction of mineral blocks,
to ensure a seamless transition from ex-
ploration to production”.
Mining sector — unburdening the legacy issues
To boost mineral exploration, GSI developing repository of
all geological data of country
Govt assures Coal India of 'full support', stresses learning
'new things'
Decade after scam, Odisha imposes penalty of ₹2056 cr
for illegal mining
Three years on, Goa's stalled mining sector still gathers rust
Boost to production and pvt investment as mining
reforms get green signal
Deep mining: Over 500 non-coal mineral blocks up for grabs
Prospects of Phosphorite in Jurassic Sequence of Jaisalmer
Basin, Western Rajasthan
How Long Will Coal Remain King in India?
India’s mining reforms ignore the livelihood and rehabilitation of
those affected by the industry
Policy Watch: India’s blighted vision about gold mining..
Policy Watch: A colonial outlook has stunted India’s gold-mining sector
India’s mining sector to witness reforms, flurry of activities in 2021
Goa’s iron ore mining stuck at a crossroad
Mining and Exploration: Socio-Economic Development
Govt looks to acquire forest land for mining in Korba
Commercial mining won’t unsettle us: Coal India chief
China's ban on Australian coking coal to benefit India's steel
producers, says India Ratings and Research
Financing commercial coal mining: Banks to look into
multiple factors
Why SBI is under the spotlight to reject a billion-dollar loan to Adani’s Australia mine
Deocha Pachami coal block will generate 1 lakh jobs:
Mamata Banerjee
No Bauxite mining in Visakhapatnam Agency, panel exploring other options
Government moots raising floor price for iron ore as steel prices shoot up
The Indian government plans to announce new mining reforms within the next 6-8 weeks. This will include opening up commercial coal mining to private players and auctioning 500 mineral blocks. The coal ministry is expected to award leases for 19 coal mines auctioned for commercial mining within 7-10 days of due diligence. These mines have a combined capacity of 50 million tonnes per year and were bid on primarily by companies like Adani, Aditya Birla, Vedanta, and Jindal. The new reforms aim to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and make mining operations more sustainable to support Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Whose minerals are they anyway?
Over the past few months, the government of India has been focus-ing on the mining sector to revive the country’s economy but it is feared that it could mean a troubled time ahead for communities in-volved and environment. However, the major question is whether such a push is in line with the National Mineral Policy 2019 of India which talks about the concept of inter-generational equity as far as mineral wealth is concerned. The organisations involved with the communities that are impacted by the mining believe that protection and welfare of tribal people and poor are rarely the focus area of mining plans which are heavily fo-cused on higher revenues. To tackle the already slowing econ-omy, whose condition further dete-riorated after COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government is pushing for more mining. But is this push for more revenue in line with the prin-ciples in India’s mining policy that talk about sustainable mining and minerals being a part of shared in-heritance with future generations? Over the past few months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and vari-ous other ministers in his govern-ment have emphasised that the push for mining including coal will result in additional investments and reve-nue worth hundreds of billions of rupees. The government has already unveiled more reforms in the min-ing sector.
Contents & Articles
• India Desperately Needs the Mining Industry : By Jayant Bhandari
• Indian Mineral Exploration Sector “Potential & Promise” & Reforms Needed: By Robert Nigel Chapman
• Point of View towards Proposed Mining Reforms : Abhinav Sengupta
• India proposes overhaul of mining sector amid concerns over legality and social impact
• Mining reforms: Industry vocal against ‘premature’ repeal of existing leasesrio planning matters more than ever in mining
• Steel companies, miners tussle over Mining Act amendment
• Need to streamline regulatory process to facilitate timely approvals for mining projects: FIMI
The document discusses reforms needed for India's mining sector based on inputs from the mining industry. It calls for simplifying rules to rapidly grow mineral exploration by classifying minerals into fewer categories. It urges clearing long pending license approvals to boost the economy. It recommends lowering entry barriers for exploration by making it easy to obtain concessions online with secure tenure. It proposes liberalizing rules around transfers, joint ventures, and fundraising to bring India's regulatory environment in line with global best practices for a standalone exploration industry.
Policy Vision Vis-a-Vis Legislation By : MANTU BISWAS CCM (Retd) IBM (page 2)
First-step analysis: Mining in India : Trilegal - Karthy Nair and Neeraj Menon (page 4)
All about commercial mining and how it changes the coal production game in India : Remya Nair (page 13)
Why Gold, and Why Now : Jan Nieuwenhuijs (page 14)
Odisha Mining Auction 2020 vis-à-vis Employment: A boon or curse?! : Subranshu Bhushan Das (page 16)
Glauconite : Existing resource in India Uses – Exploitation Conclusions & Recommendations : Dr Vivek Laul (page 17)
Unshackling India’s mining industry - Indian ministries want to limit public consultations that are necessary before approving projects (page 18)
Tenders for nine iron ore and manganese blocks in Odisha likely in July (page 19)
Two states, unused iron ore, a growing human crisis : Shantanu Guha Ray (page 19)
Ever since Corona Pandemic began, employee retention and employment
generation have inevitably become most important responsibilities of
Governments at the Centre, States & also Private Entrepreneurs. Mining,
Quarrying and Water resources management are the biggest outdoor sources of
employment besides Agriculture, for lakhs of youth, many of whom have
migrated back to their villages & towns. The mining sector has the potential to
grow to employ about 48lakh persons directly and create a total of 5 crore jobs
in mines and related ancillary industries and services, by 2025. The ratio of
direct to indirect employment in the Mining Sector is 1:10. “An investment of
US$ 1 in exploration is estimated to give a return of US$15” (Ernst and Young
Rept.-2011, p. 34). Another independent study says, that “for every rupee of
investment in mining there is an investment of Rs.12 in the downstream value
chain ancillary industries". Specially in case of gold, every tonne of gold mined
will save 55million US$ in Forex and ploughs Rs.150 to 200 Crores into the
Local Rural Economy in the form of wages, ancillary industries, supplies of
materials and machinery, skill development, rural infrastructure , education,
health care, entertainment etc., besides generating revenue to the Govt.
Therefore, mining serves to alleviate poverty to a large degree. As per
McKinsey Global Institute, India needs to create 150 million non-farm jobs by
2025, to significantly reduce poverty. The Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) in 2011 had done a study for the Ministry of Mines and brought out a
“Skill Mapping Report”. As per this report, in the period up to 2025, there will
be a need for some 3,000 geoscientists and 40,000 mining engineers over and
above the normal supply. Achieving self-sufficiency in minerals and reducing
the dependence on import of metals and minerals, on a fast track investment
mode, are the other most important national goals set by the Hon’ble Finance &
Corporate Affairs Minister as a follow up on the Prime Minister’s call for a
“Self-reliant India Movement” on the 12 th May2020. The Hon’ble Finance Min-
ister made Policy Reforms -related pronouncements to fast track investments
into Coal Sector & Non-coal Minerals Sector.
The document discusses challenges facing India's mining sector, including mining bans, low exploration, high taxes, and land acquisition costs. It notes that while countries like Australia contribute 8% of GDP from mining, India only contributes 1.4% despite having similar geological resources. It argues for reforms like streamlining approvals, increasing private investment in exploration, and rationalizing taxes and fees to better unlock India's mineral potential and boost economic growth. The government plans to auction 105 more mineral blocks by the end of the fiscal year.
The Mines Ministry deadline of December 2018 for all states to complete exploration of 329 mineral blocks where mining leases are scheduled to expire on March 31, 2020, is largely going to be missed.
The document discusses the issue of iron ore mining in Goa, India being shut down by the Supreme Court and efforts by the government to restart mining. It is reported that the federal government is considering an ordinance to resume mining in Goa due to rising unemployment and pressure from upcoming elections. Sources say a group of ministers has been tasked with resolving the issue and is seeking legal opinion on promulgating an ordinance to circumvent the Supreme Court order banning mining. Restarting the 88 mines that were shut down is an urgent priority for the state government and its political partners.
INDIAN MINERAL EXPLORATION POLICY &
REALITY DIVERGENCE
OUTLOOK FOR METALS SECTOR PROMISING: CENTRUM RESEARCH
USHA MARTIN BUY TO DIVERSIFY TATA STEEL' S PRODUCT RANGE:REPORT
#MINING INDIA NEWS
Acolyte Episodes review (TV series) The Acolyte. Learn about the influence of the program on the Star Wars world, as well as new characters and story twists.
El Puerto de Algeciras continúa un año más como el más eficiente del continente europeo y vuelve a situarse en el “top ten” mundial, según el informe The Container Port Performance Index 2023 (CPPI), elaborado por el Banco Mundial y la consultora S&P Global.
El informe CPPI utiliza dos enfoques metodológicos diferentes para calcular la clasificación del índice: uno administrativo o técnico y otro estadístico, basado en análisis factorial (FA). Según los autores, esta dualidad pretende asegurar una clasificación que refleje con precisión el rendimiento real del puerto, a la vez que sea estadísticamente sólida. En esta edición del informe CPPI 2023, se han empleado los mismos enfoques metodológicos y se ha aplicado un método de agregación de clasificaciones para combinar los resultados de ambos enfoques y obtener una clasificación agregada.
An astonishing, first-of-its-kind, report by the NYT assessing damage in Ukraine. Even if the war ends tomorrow, in many places there will be nothing to go back to.
Here is Gabe Whitley's response to my defamation lawsuit for him calling me a rapist and perjurer in court documents.
You have to read it to believe it, but after you read it, you won't believe it. And I included eight examples of defamatory statements/
04062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
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Discover the essential tools and strategies for modern PR business success. Learn how to craft compelling news releases, leverage press release sites and news wires, stay updated with PR news, and integrate effective PR practices to enhance your brand's visibility and credibility. Elevate your PR efforts with our comprehensive guide.
2. Volume 8, Issue 10
Geonesis
Continued on Page 2
Page No 1
SEPTEMBER 2021
Coal auctions: Modi govt's policy push to private miners will cost
Chhattisgarh Rs 900 crore a year
The government has sold coal blocks for far
cheaper prices than they fetched five years
ago.
In 2015, the Narendra Modi government auc-
tioned two coal blocks in Chhattisgarh. Gare
Palma IV/1 fetched a bid of Rs 1,585 per
tonne while Gare Palma IV/7 was auctioned
for Rs 2,619. The bid for the first block was
too low, the government claimed amid allega-
tions of cartelisation, and cancelled it. In case
of the other, it shelved the contract after de-
claring that the successful bidder had violated
its conditions.
It auctioned the mines again in November
2020. This time, the first block, with 159.4
million tonnes of coal, was sold to Jindal Steel
and Power Ltd for Rs 342.25 per tonne, a
quarter less than the rate the government
claimed was too low five years earlier. The
second block went for nearly 60 percent less
than in 2015.
Chhattisgarh, as a result, will lose over Rs 900
crore per year and potentially Rs 24,065 crore
in total over a period equal to the life of the
two mines – 19 to 50 years – than it would
have if the 2015 bids were accepted, calcula-
tions based on government projections and
records accessed partly under the RTI Act
show.
In all, the government auctioned 19 mines in
the middle of the pandemic last year and cost
several states thousands of crores in potential
revenue.
Why would the Modi government decline to
sell the mines for “low prices” only to turn
around and sell them for far cheaper?
The 19 coal blocks were auctioned under a
new bidding method the government devised
when it allowed private and foreign companies
in any sector to dig mines and sell coal. Bil-
lionaire Gautam Adani’s group and its subsidi-
aries bid for 12 of these mines, winning two.
Critics questioned the timing of the auction.
Jharkhand, which has over 26 percent of In-
dia’s coal reserves, labelled the entire exercise
“farcical”.
This is how lucky the private companies got:
Chhattisgarh’s Gare Palma IV/1 block had
fetched the highest bid of Rs 1,585 a tonne
from Vedanta’s Balco in the 2015 auction. In
2020, the block with 159.4 million tonnes of
coal was sold to Jindal Steel and Power Ltd for
Rs 342.25 a tonne, based on its final offer of 25
percent share of the revenue.
Chhattisgarh will get at least Rs 14,174 crore
less in revenue over the life of the mine than it
would have if the Balco’s bid were accepted.
Gare Palma IV/7, which holds 239.04 million
tonnes of coal, was auctioned in 2015 for Rs
2,619 a tonne to Monnet Ispat. But the govern-
ment cancelled the contract in 2018 on the
grounds that Monnet had “failed to develop the
mines as per the timelines” laid down in the
agreement. Five years later, it accepted a 60
percent lower rate, costing Chhattisgarh an
estimated Rs Rs 9,891 crore in revenue from
the mine.
It’s difficult to estimate the true commercial
value of all the coal blocks on offer in 2020. In
the case of the two Chhattisgarh mines though,
the 2015 auction bids made doing the maths
possible.
The 2020 auction drew criticism for letting
miners get cheap deals at the expense of the
states. They got help in two ways. First, the
Modi government set the floor price too low
through a complex formula and held the auc-
tion at a time when the power sector – which
consumes nearly 85 percent of the coal pro-
duced annually – was ailing and losing appetite
for the fuel.
Second, the nationwide lockdown during the
first Covid wave had sent the economy into a
tailspin which it’s yet to emerge from.
Worryingly for states, the government is going
with the same formula to calculate the floor
price and revenue share for the ongoing second
round of auctions of 67 coal blocks.
In a February 28, 2019 meeting at the Coal
India office whose minutes we accessed under
the RTI Act, a former secretary to the govern-
ment and a senior Niti Aayog official declared
that going forward commercial mining was the
“ultimate aim”.
That the power sector is still in bad shape only
adds to the woes of the state governments.
The claim to coal reforms
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India cancelled
the allotment of 214 coal blocks to private
companies after finding the process arbitrary
and illegal.
The Modi government, which had ridden an
anti-corruption wave to power a few months
earlier, amended the rules to legalise the alloca-
tions once held illegal by the apex court and
brought in a new law providing legal cover to
its discretionary policies.
After auctioning some mines between 2015 and
2019 under the new rules, the government tout-
ed that the states would earn more than Rs 3.35
lakh crore from these auctions and allocations.
However, by mid-2018, reports pointed out, the
states had earned merely Rs 5,684 crore.
In 2018, Coal India, a public sector company,
published a study, Coal Vision 2030, assessing
future demand in the coal sector. It projected
that India could meet its coal needs from exist-
ing mines: “No new coal mines need to be
allocated/auctioned beyond the current pipe-
line. In view of the likely demand (base case
scenario), there’s limited requirement of start-
ing new coal mines except the ones already
auctioned/allocated.”
Yet, on June 18, 2020, amid the pandemic,
Modi announced that India’s coal sector was
being freed “from decades of lockdown”, a
play of words on the phasing out of the strin-
gent nationwide lockdown.
3. Page No 2
Volume 8, Issue 10
Geonesis
For the first time since the coal sector was
nationalised in the 1970s, private players
would get to mine and sell coal in open mar-
kets at the price they wished. This would do
away with Coal India’s monopoly, and open
the sector to domestic and foreign private
players.
The union coal ministry then announced the
auction of 38 mines, including the two in
Chhattisgarh, but only 19 went on the block
eventually.
Predictable failure
It was predictable that the 2020 auction would
fare worse than the 2015 round.
“The 2015 auctions were held against the un-
certainty arising from the Supreme Court’s
cancellation of 214 blocks. Players in the pow-
er sector and others were worried and tried to
grab the resource at any cost,” explained a
retired bureaucrat who was a top official in the
power sector during that period.
So, he said, some of them overbid.
By 2020, when Modi decided to open up the
coal sector and kick off another round of auc-
tions, the situation had changed vastly. The
power sector, the largest consumer of coal in
India, was in a crisis. Power distribution com-
panies, called discoms, were in the red. The
Modi government’s Uday scheme, launched in
2015 to wipe off the debt of discoms and put
them on a fiscal recovery path, had failed
SEPTEMBER 2021
miserably. Discoms hadn’t been able to either
raise tariffs or reduce technical and commer-
cial losses as Uday envisaged. Instead, losses
mounted as the government spread the elec-
tricity network. The aggregate debt of discoms
had risen from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2015-16 to
an estimated Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 2020-21.
“By 2020, discoms owed a huge amount of
money to power generation companies,” the
retired bureaucrat noted. “As a result, the pow-
er generation companies were strapped for
cash. Their demand for coal was, therefore,
impacted by the poor performance of the pow-
er sector.”
Auctioning mines at such a moment would
naturally draw lower bids.
To make matters worse, the nationwide lock-
down crashed the economy and created uncer-
tainty about economic recovery. Imported coal
competed better with coal from India and the
miners had to pay an additional levy to the
district mineral foundations.
The retired official said a government cannot
truthfully claim to maximise revenue from
coal sales if it controls electricity prices.
“The government sees coal in the context of
the power sector. All its decisions are deter-
mined by requirements of the power sector.
This is because the pricing of power is very
sensitive,” he said, meaning politically sensi-
tive.
He was pointing out the contradiction in
claiming that coal was being auctioned to
make maximise revenue when its biggest con-
sumer was not allowed to raise the price of
their product, that is electricity.
A floor so low
For the 2020 coal block sales touted as a major
reform by Modi, auction rules were revamped.
The bidder offering the highest share of reve-
nue from the coal they dig up and sell won.
Four percent of the revenue was set as the base
for bidding.
The government devised two ways to calculate
a company’s monthly revenue. One was to
calculate how much it actually earned in a
month. The second was to determine the no-
tional market price of the coal for a specific
period and multiply that with the total coal
sold in the period.
The higher of the two numbers would be used
to decide the state government’s takeaway
based on the share of revenue promised in the
bid.
To understand how much a state would actual-
ly earn in a year from coal auctions, we ran
calculations using the government’s formula to
arrive at the floor prices in rupees per tonne
and compare them with the 2015 benchmark
year. As previously reported, the floor value
was over 50 percent lower than the 2015
benchmark of Rs 150 per tonne.
Notional price is arrived at after adjusting the
average market price of coal with the National
Coal Index, which was created in the run-up to
the auctions to capture the true market value of
the commodity
The representative price and the notional price
vary according to grade, a jargon for the quali-
ty of coal. For the first round of auctions, we
considered the representative prices from
March 2020. Based on these values, the floor
price for these grades, at 4 percent of revenue
share, would be as shown below.
Gare Palma IV/1 with a G12 grade was auc-
tioned off with a floor price of Rs 54.76 per
tonne while the IV/7 block with an average
Continued on Page 3
4. Volume 8, Issue 8
Geonesis
Page No 3
SEPTEMBER 2021
grade of G11 had a threshold value of Rs
58.96 per tonne.
In 2015, both these blocks had a uniform floor
price of Rs 150 a tonne.
Enter commercial coal mining
Jindal Steel and Power Ltd won Gare Palma
IV/1 by committing to share 25 percent of its
revenue with Chhattisgarh. Based on this,
documents show, the union government calcu-
lated that Chhattisgarh would get a revenue
share of Rs 205 crore every year. With 114
million tonnes of mineable coal in the block,
the state government would make Rs 3,895
crore in total from the mine.
If the union government had stuck to the 2015
revenue figure of Rs 1,585 a tonne, the state
would have earned Rs 951 crore a year, or Rs
18,069 crore over the mine’s lifetime. The
difference in income to the state is a stagger-
ing Rs 14,174 crore.
For Gare Palma IV/7, the government estimat-
ed a revenue of Rs 118 crore per year. The
block has mineable reserves of 60.47 million
tonnes, which means Chhattisgarh will earn Rs
5,946 crore.
Going by the 2015 rate of Rs 2,619 per tonne,
the state would have earned 314.28 crore per
year, or Rs 15,837 crore over its life. The dif-
ference is Rs 9,891 crore.
That’s a total estimated loss of Rs 24,065
crore.
‘Cannot compare’
On February 8, 2021, Congress MP Vivek
Tankha asked in the Rajya Sabha if the income
for Chhattisgarh from the twin Gare Palma
blocks in 2020 would be less than that in 2015
based on auction rates. If so, he asked the coal
minister to estimate the annual loss to the state
government.
“Comparison cannot be made in the premium
income as there are different bidding parame-
ters,” coal minister Pralhad Joshi replied. “In
the auction in 2015, bidding methodology was
on the basis of rupees per tonne auction for
captive consumption. For the auction in 2020,
it was percentage revenue for sale of coal and
there was no restriction on utilisation of coal.”
We accessed the internal projections based on
which Joshi had said on November 10, 2020
that the states would earn over Rs 7,000 crore
from the coal auctions. According to this
sheet, the Chhattisgarh government alone
would earn Rs 323 crore a year as its revenue
share from the two blocks.
Gare Palma IV/1, with a final offer of 25 per-
cent revenue from Jindal Steel and Power,
would account for Rs 205 crore a year, while
Gare Palma IV/7 would fetch Rs 118 crore
from Sarda Energy’s 66.75 percent bid.
We compared this with the 2015 offers. The
IV/1 block, with a bid of Rs 1,585 per tonne,
would have added Rs 951 crore per year to the
state government’s coffers. This works out to a
loss of Rs 726 crore a year.
For the IV/7 block, Monnet’s 2015 bid of Rs
2,619 per tonne would have meant an income
of Rs 314.28 crore per year to Chhattisgarh.
Compared to 2020, this is a loss of Rs 196.28
crore a year.
A total loss of Rs 922.28 crore a year.
To assess the loss to Chhattisgarh over time,
we calculated and compared these figures with
the latest market prices of coal. Even with an
optimistic 10-point increase in the National
Coal Index value, the state would still lose
over Rs 909 crore a year.
Maximising revenue not a goal
The Modi government’s think tank, NITI
Aayog, was against maximising revenue from
coal sales, going by its comments on the coal
ministry’s discussion paper on commercial
coal mining, accessed through RTI.
The Aayog highlighted significant deviations
in the ministry’s plans from the recommenda-
tions that a committee led by its vice chairman
had made for reforming the coal sector. The
think tank wanted to do away with the 4 per-
cent floor price because it might make some
blocks uneconomical.
The Aayog also wanted the coal ministry to
ditch the current two-stage bidding process in
favour of a single-stage process. Currently, the
bidding company is screened for its technical
capabilities before its bid is considered. A
single-stage process will do away with the
technical evaluation, making room for new
entrants. The ministry has since suggested it
will move in this direction depending on the
response to the ongoing auctions.
We sent detailed questions about the auctions
to top officials in the coal ministry, but haven’t
received a response yet.
-Source : NEWSLAUNDRY
- By Shreegireesh Jalihal & Tapasya
Geonesis Volume 8, Issue 10
5. Page No 4
Geonesis
As many as 123 companies are in the race
for 11 mineral blocks in Odisha.
The state government has decided to auction
11 mines in the state. Tuesday was the last day
to submit the bids for the mineral blocks.
The steel and mines department has targeted to
complete the auction process by September-
end.
Official sources in the Steel and Mines depart-
ment said major players in the mining and
metal sectors like Jindal Steel and Power,
JSW, Tata Steel, ArcelorMittal, Essel Mining
and Industries Limited, Rungta Mines Ltd,
MSPL, Vedanta and OMDC have evinced
interest to participate in the bidding process.
They have participated in the tender process.
SEPTEMBER 2021
According to the mines official, the compa-
nies, which would qualify the technical bid-
ding process will be allowed to participate in
the financial bidding process set to begin from
September 16.
On July 7, the government issued notice for
auction of 11 mineral blocks including seven
iron ore blocks, two composite blocks of iron
ore and manganese, one composite block of
iron ore and dolomite and a bauxite block for
auction.
The blocks are Nadidih (BICO), Purheibahal,
Chandiposhi, Jumka Pathiriposhi Pahar,
Dholtapahar, Netrabandha Pahar (West),
Gandhalpada, Nadidih (FEEGRADE), Tehe-
rai, Kasia and Karlapat.
It is for the first time a bauxite block is going
to be auctioned by the state government.
Sources said as many as six players are vying
for the bauxite block.
The last auction of any mineral block was
done in January and February 2020.
The current mining auction in Odisha is being
done in accordance with the new auction rules
issued by the Union mines ministry.
Recently, JSPL Managing Director V R Shar-
ma said the company will participate in the
forthcoming auction of iron ore mines in Od-
isha.
“Irrespective of the auction’s outcome, we are
confident the state government would make all
out efforts to protect the raw material security
for industrial units in the state,” he said.
Continued on Page 5
Odisha mining auction: 123 companies in race for
11 mineral blocks
Proposed amendments to Coal Bearing Areas Act will change
land acquisition for mining: Experts
The proposed amendments are likely to grant
more control to private corporations, make
tribal land acquisition easy, say experts
Climate change is an undisputable reality and
countries are striving to reduce carbon emis-
sions to move towards more environment-
friendly fuels. Amid the scenario, the Indian
government is pushing for high-carbon emis-
sion fuels such as coal for its energy require-
ments: It is planning to propose a
new amendment bill this monsoon session to
make coal production easy, said experts.
The proposed bill seeks to amend the existing
Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Develop-
ment) [CBA] Act, 1957. The draft of the pro-
posed amendment bill has neither been made
public, neither has the Union government
sought any public opinion on it.
Some information regarding new amendments,
however, has been made public in the Lok
Sabha Bulletin part-II.
Although new amendments are proposed for a
constitutionally enacted law of 1957, it is be-
ing speculated that the 1957 Act carries the
shadows of colonial objectives. The core and
sole purpose of this central government law is
land acquisition; environment and public inter-
est were never a part of it, according to ex-
perts.
The law was primarily meant to facilitate the
acquisition of coal reserves for Coal India
Limited, a public undertaking with a signifi-
cant role in India’s energy production.
The laws passed in the public interest and that
are being circumvented by the proposed
amendments are:
The 73rd, 74th amendments to the Con-
stitution (1993)
The PESA Act for the Fifth Schedule
Areas (1996)
Samatha judgment (1996) by the Su-
preme Court
The Forest Rights Recognition
Act (2006)
The land acquisition law (2013)
These laws came after 1957 (The PESA Act
came into force 25 years ago), and yet, the
CBA Act has maintained its supremacy over
them.
In 2013, under the United Progressive Alli-
ance’s tenure, the Right to Fair Compensation
Volume 8, Issue 10
6. Volume 8, Issue 8
Geonesis
Continued on Page 6
Page No 5
SEPTEMBER 2021
and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Reha-
bilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013
was passed. However, it did not include coal
bearing areas as these areas are included in the
1957 act.
What are the proposed amendments?
According to the Bulletin-II on Lok Sabha’s
website, the new amendment bill will bring
three important changes.
The new amendments are likely to change the
federal structure of the coal sector. The central
government, after the bill is passed, would be
responsible for the acquired land. However,
once the acquisition is done, the land and min-
ing rights would be delegated to the states
which can lease the acquired land or coal de-
posits to an eligible company.
The second big change would be regarding the
use of acquired land. It could be used for con-
structing coal-related infrastructure, allied
activities or other public purposes. The 1957
Act did not allow this.
In fact, it clearly stated that the land acquired
for the mining of coal could only be used for
the extraction of coal. Apart from this, under
the MMDR (Mines and Minerals Development
and Regulation) Act, the miners are obligated
to restore the land to its former condition after
the completion of mining.
Although it is not mentioned in the available
notes, changes can also be made in the MMDR
Act. In addition, the lease limit of the land can
also be increased.
Lignite (low-grade coal minerals) could now
be mined along with coal. To this end, appro-
priate changes will also be made in the Col-
liery Control Rules, 2004 and Coal Blocks
Allocation Rules, 2017.
How will the amendments change land ac-
quisition for coal mining?
Alok Shukla, member of the Chhattisgarh
Bachao Andolan convenor board, sees the
proposed amendments as “an easing of the
system for rampant plunder of the tribal
lands.”
“More than 80 per cent of the country’s coal
reserves are in tribal areas. Most of them
come under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitu-
tion. Both PESA and Forest Rights Act are
applicable over this land, making prior consent
of the local Gram Sabhas a constitutional pro-
vision. The process of land acquisition in these
areas is being made easy throught these
amendments by circumventing the existing
laws.”
Moreover, the acquired land would be allowed
to be used for other purposes. The 1957 Act
restricted land use for only coal mining. Coal
India Ltd has acquired a lot of lands for coal
mining. But now it could be used for building
infrastructure and ‘public purpose’ projects.
The new changes may also be applied to the
previously acquired land, added Shukla.
The new amendment would make tribal land
acquisition easy for big corporations, accord-
ing to Kanchi Kohli, researcher at Centre for
Policy Research.
She said: “The 1957 Act did not exempt per-
manent structures or projects. Through these
proposed amendments, once the lease is grant-
ed, private companies would continue to have
control over the acquired land even after min-
ing activities are completed and will be able to
continue ancillary activities.
The proposed amendments are a way for states
to open up coal mining for private corpora-
tions, journalist Shreya Jai wrote in a report
in Business Standard September 23, 2020.
In the same article, she wrote that the states
would be provided with two options for land
acquisition after the amendments; first, by
using the conventional Land Acquisition Act,
2013 or by using the new Coal Bearing Areas
Act, 1957.
The current Bharatiya Janata Party-led
Rashtriya Janata Dal has been against the
2013’s LARR Act that repealed more than a
century-old Land Acquisition Act, 1894. In
December 2014, an ordinance against this law
was brought by the central government. How-
ever, due to mass protests, the ordinance did
not turn into a law.
But why did the Centre want an ordinance?
Shukla said: “Because these laws had
provisions like consent from the affected com-
munities, social impact assessment, environ-
mental impact assessment etc. Land acquisi-
tion becomes tough due to these provisions.”
What is the point of the new amendments
when the Union government already approved
the auction of coal reserves for commercial
use of coal in 2020, Shukla said.
Amulya Nayak of Orissa’s Adivasi Chetana
Sangathan (ACS) said the new amendments
have a bigger objective to give the “land per-
manently to the capitalists”. The companies
would maintain mining ownership over the
leased land for a certain period. Later on, they
would be able to use the land for their profita-
ble projects in the name of public purpose.
“The proposed amendments are an attempt to
woo private companies for commercial min-
ing,” said Priyanshu Gupta, a fellow research-
ing the issue.
At least 67 coal blocks were brought for auc-
tion during the last year, but only eight coal
blocks have been auctioned by the government
so far, said Gupta. The government, however,
has learnt the wrong lesson from its failures.
The real reason behind these failures is not the
existing law, but the demand and supply sys-
tem of coal, he added. If demand, consump-
tion and production of coal are properly ana-
lysed, there won’t be any purpose in allocating
new mines.
Coal India Ltd validated Gupta’s claims. Ac-
cording to a statement by Coal India on India
Environment Portal, coal blocks with an annu-
al capacity of about 510 million tonnes were
allocated between 2015 and 2020.
Of these only, 110 million tonnes per annum
have been used so far. Allocating more coal
blocks in the name of energy requirement is a
mere facade.
Coal India’s vision document, Coal India Vi-
sion-2030, also stated that India did not re-
quire allocation of new coal blocks or mines
for the next 10 years.
The proposed amendments are a “political
tool” said Nand Kashyap of the Chhattisgarh
Volume 8, Issue 8
Geonesis
Geonesis Volume 8, Issue 10
7. Page No 6
Geonesis
SEPTEMBER 2021
Bachao Andolan. He added: “The Centre ap-
pears to be addressing the grievances of the
states regarding commercial coal mining
through these amendments. The state govern-
ments objected to the Centre’s monopoly over
coal because coal is a state subject. Through
these amendments, the Centre is trying to
serve its political interests by giving lease
allocation rights to states.”
It has given the right to allocate leases for coal
mining to states, but also wants to control the
entire process of acquisition. This is a little
contradictory, but ultimately it can give the
illusion to the states that their revenue will
increase.
However, without support from states, land
acquisition won’t be easy for the Centre,
Kashyap added.
Ashok Shrimali of Mines, Mineral and People,
a non-profit, said the new amendments are a
way to bring private companies into the coal
sector.
Until now, people could resort to protest or
approach court against the forceful land acqui-
sition. This would be more difficult after the
new amendments. These amendments incapac-
itate the constitutional foundations which sup-
ported public participation and mass move-
ment.
The central government has sought to pass this
bill in the current monsoon session of the par-
liament. As many as 12 bills have received the
nod from the parliament in 10 days in the
monsoon session, with about seven-minute
discussion on each bill.
It’s possible that this bill would also be passed
in the same manner. The opposition for a long
time has been accusing the government of
curtailing discussions and reducing the Parlia-
ment session for just passing bills. Opposition
alleged that they were not given the draft for
reading before the discussion.
-By Satyam Shrivastava
JSW Steel seeks consent to surrender Gonua iron ore
mine in Odisha
In an aggressive bidding, JSW Steel emerged
the preferred bidder for Gonua iron ore block
with an offer to pay a premium of 132 per
cent.
Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Steel has offered to
surrender one of the four iron ore mines it
bagged through e-auctions last year at steep
premiums. In its August 11 surrender notice to
the Director of Mines, the steelmaker has ex-
pressed its inability to operate Gonua iron ore
mines in Sundargarh district due to low grade
ore and logistics problems.
"We intend to surrender the entire area of
Gonua iron ore mining lease under Rule-21 of
Mineral Concession Rules (MCR), 2016 with
effect from August 12, 2022 and we will sub-
mit the final mine closure plan before IBM,"
said the authorised signatory of the company
in the notice.
JSW had executed the mining lease deed on
June 27, 2020 and commenced mining opera-
tion on July 1, 2020. "The mining operation
has become economically unviable due to high
shale in bottom benches, low grade mineral in
top benches and serious logistic issues due to
space constraint," the notice said.
As Gonua iron ore block is a working mine
with an estimated reserve of 118 million tonne
(MT), the company has requested the State
government to accept the surrender proposal
and clarify IBM in case any query raised by it
while processing the approval of final mine
closure plan.
In an aggressive bidding, JSW Steel emerged
the preferred bidder for Gonua iron ore block
with an offer to pay a premium of 132 per
cent.
The steelmaker with a production capacity of
18 million tonne per annum (MTPA) had also
bagged Nuagaon iron ore with highest reserve
of 792.93 MT, Narayanposhi iron ore block
with a stock of 190 MT and Jajanga block with
a reserve of 39.42 MT.
JSW Steel has proposed to set up a greenfield
steel project of 12 MTPA near Paradip in
Jagatsinghpur district at an investment of over
Rs 53,000 crore.
Sources in the mining industries said JSW may
give up its right to Jajanga iron ore block for
reason similar to Gonua. In both the cases, the
lessee failed to achieve Model Mine Develop-
ment and Production Agreement (MDPA)
under which the mines owner have to produce
at least 80 per cent of the average production
of the previous two years.
On August 13, Joda Joint Director of Mines
served a notice to Jajanga iron ore block of
JSW Steel citing demand on shortfall in des-
patch vis a vis the minimum dispatch required
under Sub Rule 1 of 12A of Other than Atomic
and Hydrocarbon Energy Mineral Concession
Rules, 2016.
The company is learnt to have paid stamp duty
of Rs 110 crore for Gonua and a performance
guarantee of about Rs 50 crore.
Source : The New Indian Express
- By: Bijoy Pradhan
Volume 8, Issue 10
8. Volume 8, Issue 8
Geonesis
Page No 7
SEPTEMBER 2021
Industries that have not participated or been success-
ful in auction need to get iron ore and the preemp-
tion policy is meant for such units. The state can
direct the mining leaseholder to provide a certain
quantity of ore for sale locally.
Amid the acute shortage of iron ore, industry experts
and associations have appealed to the State
government to expeditiously provide iron ore under
its Pre-Emption scheme and save the sponge, pellet,
and steel units in the state.
Closure of these plants in the MSME sector will
have a serious adverse impact on the economy and
livelihood of millions of people, they said in their
fervent appeal to the State government.
About 60 percent of iron ore produced in the state is
sold outside Odisha despite protests from state-
based plants. There has been a huge gap in demand,
supply, and price of iron ore in the State is highest
in all of India.
Volume 8, Issue 8
Geonesis
MSMEs’ SOS to Odisha govt. over iron ore scarcity
NMDC, Ministry of Steel assists NINL to start iron ore mining
NINL, a Joint Venture Company of MMTC,
IPICOL, OMC, NMDC and others set up a 1.1
MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Dubri, Jajpur in
Odisha.
NMDC under the Ministry of Steel has stepped in to
provide technical and financial assistance to Neela-
chal Ispat Nigam Limited (NINL) for the resumption
of their mining operations in Odisha. The operations
of NINL iron ore mines at Mithirda mine block have
resumed.
Under the aegis of the Ministry of Steel, Ministry of
Commerce and DIPAM, NINL approached NMDC
for support. To provide impetus to the supply of
high-grade iron ore in the state of Odisha, NMDC
signed an MoU to extend assistance to NINL.
NINL, a Joint Venture Company of MMTC,
IPICOL, OMC, NMDC and others set up a 1.1
MTPA Integrated Steel Plant at Dubri, Jajpur in
Odisha. The company acquired the mining lease for
captive production of iron ore in January 2017.
NINL received permission for merchant sale of iron
ore for one million ton per year for two years to
augment the iron ore production in the state and
meet the expenses of the company.
Atomic Minerals Directorate looks for lithium in
Karnataka, Rajasthan
The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration
and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of the De-
partment of Atomic Energy (DAE), is carrying out
exploration for lithium in potential geological do-
mains in parts of Karnataka and Rajasthan.
AMD is carrying out subsurface exploration in
Marlagalla area, Mandya district, Karnataka.
According to a written reply by Prahlad Joshi, Min-
ister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs, in
Parliament two days ago, “Reconnaissance surveys
have also been carried out along the Saraswati River
palaeo channel, in the Jodhpur and Barmer districts
of Rajasthan for locating lithium mineralization
associated with brine (saline water in salt lakes).”
“Preliminary surveys on surface and limited subsur-
face exploration by AMD have shown presence of
lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes (inferred category)
in the pegmatites of Marlagalla – Allapatna area,
Mandya district, Karnataka,” he said.
As per the approved annual field season programme,
the Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached
office of the Ministry of Mines, has taken up differ-
ent stages of mineral exploration including recon-
naissance surveys, preliminary exploration, and
general exploration for augmenting mineral resource
for various mineral commodities including lithium.
During FSP 2016-17 to FSP 2020-21, GSI carried
out 14 projects on lithium and associated elements
in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya,
Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
During the current FSP 2021-22, GSI has taken up 7
projects on lithium in Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kash-
mir, and Rajasthan. However, resource of lithium
has not yet been augmented by GSI.
Increase in demand
Referring to the Production Linked (PLI) Scheme
for Manufacturing of Advance Chemistry Cell to
reduce import dependence on ACC Battery, the
statement said, “As per analytics consultant, Global
Data, the global demand for lithium is expected to
more than double to 117,400 mt by 2024 from an
estimated 47,300 mt in 2020, likely due to an in-
crease in electric vehicle battery production.”
The Government on 12.5.2021 has approved the PLI
scheme for manufacture of Advance Chemistry Cell
(ACC) batteries in the country with an outlay of
₹18,100 crore over five years. The scheme envisag-
es establishing a competitive ACC battery manufac-
turing set up in the country (50 Giga Watt hours).
Additionally, 5 GWh of niche ACC technologies is
also covered under the scheme.
The scheme proposes a production linked subsidy
based on applicable subsidy per KWh and percent-
age of value addition achieved on actual sales made
by the manufacturers who set up production units.
-Source : The Hindu Business Line
Volume 8, Issue 10
9. Page No 8
Geonesis
SEPTEMBER 2021
Australian High Commissioner meets Chhattisgarh CM; holds
talks on mutual cooperation
Stating that Australia has expertise in the field of
mining, he discussed mutual participation in the
fields of mining survey, exploration-mining technol-
ogy, among other things with Bhupesh Baghel.
Australia's High Commissioner to India, Barry
O'Farrell, called on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
Bhupesh Baghel at his residence-office and dis-
cussed possibilities of mutual cooperation in socio-
cultural sector and also talked about investment,
especially in mining and environmental protection,
officials said on Friday.
The meeting took place on Thursday, the first day of
Mr. O'Farrell's two-day visit to the state, they said.
During the meeting, Mr. O'Farrell showed keen
interest in the schemes being implemented by the
Chhattisgarh government under Mr. Baghel's leader-
ship for the overall development of the state,
uplift of tribal community and improvement in
social indicators, an official statement said.
Mr. O'Farrell, also appreciated the efforts made by
the government for prevention of coronavirus infec-
tion in the state. He expressed a desire to promote
the bilateral relations between Australia and
Chhattisgarh in various areas of development, it
said.
Stating that Australia has expertise in the field of
mining, he discussed mutual participation in the
fields of mining survey, exploration-mining technol-
ogy, among other things, the statement added.
During the meeting, Mr. Baghel said that Chhattis-
garh is rich in minerals and forest wealth, and vari-
ous types of resources are available in the state.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness over the
socio-cultural partnership with Australia and the
willingness of its entrepreneurs to invest industrial
capital in Chhattisgarh. He assured all possible
support by the state government on this.
The CM also apprised Mr. O'Farrell of the efforts
being made by the government to promote organic
farming and value addition of forest produce in
Chhattisgarh.
State Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma and offi-
cials were present during the occasion.
The Australian High Commissioner also met senior
office-bearers of industrial organisations of the state,
and held discussions at length about his country's
participation in the fields of mining and environ-
ment, biofuel, technology, research, food pro-
cessing, renewable energy and the possibilities of
capital investment by entrepreneurs.
Source : The Hindu
Exercise due diligence in clearing mining leases, former
bureaucrat urges A.P. govt
“No mining activity should be permitted without
the consent of local Gram Sabhas,” former Union
Secretary E.A.S. Sarma told The Hindu.
Taking exceptions to media reports that the Depart-
ment of Mines is trying to streamline the procedures
for granting mining leases to reduce the clearance
time to 30 days, former Union Secretary E.A.S.
Sarma has said that it will be detrimental to people
living in the proposed mining areas and may create
huge environmental and ecological issues.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Tuesday, he said that
it is understood that there are hundreds of mining
lease applications pending and the intention is to
expedite the clearances.
‘Irreversible impact’
The mining activity may yield limited revenue for
the State but in the long run causes irreversible
adverse impacts on the local environment, if they are
not complied with the PESA (Panchayat Extension
to Schedule Areas) Act and Forest Rights Act
(FRA).
He said that in most of the mining leases, the mining
work is taken up often without prior clearance, min-
ing area extends over the proposed lease area, min-
erals other than those approved extracted and mining
undertaken indiscriminately violates the forest laws.
In a letter to Gopala Krishna Dwivedi, Principal
Secretary of Mines Department, and Kantilal Dande,
Secretary, Tribal Welfare Department, the former
Union Secretary pointed out that no mining lease
should be cleared without a public hearing and prior
Environment Clearance (EC) issued by the Union
Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment
(Protection) Act and in the case where the mining
leases are located within or adjacent to the forests,
prior clearance should be obtained under the rele-
vant forest laws from the Forest Advisory Commit-
tee (FAC) of the MoEFCC.
He said that if the mining activity is in the Sched-
uled Areas, it is imperative that the provisions of the
Panchayat Extension to Schedul e Areas Act and the
Forest Rights Act are complied with strictly.
“No mining activity should be permitted without the
prior consent of the local Gram Sabhas. This posi-
tion has been emphasised by the Supreme Court in
the Vedanta case and no mining activity should be
allowed to be undertaken by non-tribals in such
areas, as emphasised by the apex court in the Samata
judgment,” he said.
According to him, broad-based tribal cooperatives
alone should be permitted to undertake mining as
per the Samata Judgement.
He urged the State government to to exercise due
diligence in clearing the mining leases.
Source : The Hindu
Volume 8, Issue 10
10. Geonesis
Page No 9
SEPTEMBER 2021
Govt relaxes green norms for projects connecting mines
The ministry has, however, cautioned that all
forest clearance proposals for mining shall
have an additional column for the project
proponent to certify that they have critically
examined the mineral extraction pathways
and that no new extraction path outside the
mining area shall be proposed during the next
five years.
Roads, conveyor belts, railway infrastructure
etc. that connect mines to ports or other desti-
nations can now be considered as standalone
projects that can be approved by the regional
offices of the union environment ministry,
the ministry said in a letter to state govern-
ments.
“The State Government/User agency shall
ensure that dispensation considered by the
Ministry is not misused in any way and likely
tendencies to detach linear projects from the
main proposal of mining should not be en-
couraged. To the extent possible, linear infra-
structure such as roads/railways/conveyor
belts, etc. ancillary to mining should be in-
cluded in the main proposal and under inevi-
table circumstance only, such proposals sub-
mitted by the user agency should be consid-
ered as standalone projects,” the letter, dated
August 23, stated.
It has, however, cautioned that all forest
clearance proposals for mining shall have an
additional column for the project proponent
to certify that they have critically examined
the mineral extraction pathways and that no
new extraction path outside the mining area
shall be proposed during the next five years.
As far as possible existing roads, railway
infrastructure should be strengthened to mini-
mise forest and tree cover loss, the letter
states.
The letter states that the ministry of coal had
requested the environment ministry to con-
sider the possibility of constructing new line-
ar projects linking mines
to dumping or loading
sites.
The ministry of coal
launched an auction for
mines last year. In the
first tranche 38 were
listed and in the second
tranche 67 mines in
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Odisha, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh were listed for
commercial coal mine
auctions.
“Based on the recom-
mendation of the FAC
and approval of the same
by the competent authority, the ministry here-
by conveys that supplementary linear project
linked to mining that are conceived after the
start of the original mining, should be consid-
ered as a standalone linear project and deci-
sions on according approval for those shall be
made at the REC/IRO (regional empowered
committee/integrated regional office of
MoEFCC) concerned as per provisions provid-
ed in the Forest Conservation) Rules, 2003,”
the letter stated.
Transportation of coal is a contentious issue in
many parts of the country where locals have
opposed it due its large pollution footprint. For
example, locals in Odisha’s Sundargarh dis-
trict have been opposing transportation of coal
through their villages because heavy dust pol-
lution caused by the transportation has been
damaging our crop production continuously
and children are avoiding school for the fear of
being run over according to their petitions
submitted to the forest advisory committee.
“This delinking of linear infrastructure has to
be seen along with the changes in mining laws
that allow for mineral extraction without spec-
ifying end use. This means that evacuation
routes and all the related impacts can continue
to shift throughout the life of a mine. Our
regulatory appraisal, compliance and monitor-
ing protocols are not designed to address this
dynamic demand. In the present case, the ena-
bling conditions are drafted more as a request
to user agencies not misuse this privilege and
minimize damage. They also give a lot of
discretion to the ministry’s regional offices to
determine the form and future of linear infra-
structure linked to mining projects,” said Kan-
chi Kohli, legal researcher, Centre for Policy
Research.
“All linear projects are considered by regional
offices. In this case the ministry has very spe-
cifically said that the need for supplementary
infrastructure shouldn’t arise at least for the
next five years because transportation should
be considered by the mining project. If it does
arise then regional offices can critically exam-
ine the impact of such supplementary pro-
jects,” said a senior environment ministry
official.
Source: Hindustan Times
As far as possible existing roads, railway infrastructure should be
strengthened to minimise forest and tree cover loss, the letter states.
Volume 8, Issue 10
11. Geonesis
This assumes significance in the wake of the
country’s power plants grappling with deplet-
ing stocks at their end.
State-owned CIL’s 39 coal mining projects
are running behind the schedule on account
of delays in getting green clearances and
issues related to rehabilitation and resettle-
ment (R&R).
This assumes significance in the wake of the
country’s power plants grappling with deplet-
ing stocks at their end.
“114 coal projects with a sanctioned capacity
of 836.48 mty (million tonnes per year) and a
sanctioned capital of Rs 1,19,580.62 crore are
in different stages of implementation out of
which 75 projects are on schedule and 39
projects are delayed,” Coal India Ltd (CIL)
said in its report.
The major reasons for delays in implementa-
tion of these projects are delay in forest clear-
ances and possession of land and issues relat-
ed to R&R.
CIL’s nine coal projects, with a sanctioned
capacity of 27.60 million tonnes per year and
a sanctioned capital of Rs 1,976.59 crores
were completed with a total completion capital
of Rs 1,958.89 crore during 2020-21.
Four of these projects belong to Western Coal-
fields Ltd (WCL), three of Central Coalfields
Ltd (CCL) and two of Mahanadi Coalfields
Ltd (MCL).
WCL,CCL and MCL are subsidiaries of Coal
India.
One project with a sanctioned capacity of 1.4
million tonnes per year and a sanctioned capi
-tal of Rs 143.63 crore had started coal pro-
duction during the year 2020-21, the report
said.
CIL arm South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL)
is the mining project that started production
during FY21, it said.
Coal India accounts for over 80 per cent of
domestic coal output.
CIL has envisaged one billion tonne coal pro-
duction in the year 2023-24 to meet the coal
demand of the country.
Source: The Indian Express
Page No 10
SEPTEMBER 2021
39 mining projects of Coal India face delays
Volume 8, Issue 10
12. Geonesis
Page No 11
SEPTEMBER 2021
DISCLAIMER: This is a compilation of various news appeared in different sources. In this issue we have tried to do an honest
compilation. This edition is exclusively for information purpose and not for any commercial use. Your suggestions are most valuable.
Your suggestions and feedback is awaited at :-
editor@geonesis.in
CONQUER PERFECTIONISM BEFORE IT CONQURES YOU
In the words of a famous writer -
I used to struggle to start writing. I fell prey to the ‘First-Line-Syndrome’— I fear that, if I
couldn’t catch my reader’s attention immediately, they’ll click away. However, the more I tried to find
the perfect line, the more I got stuck.
That’s a big problem with perfectionism – the focus is mostly on what’s missing, or broken,
thus making the progress difficult. The truth of being perfect is an illusion because we believe, it’s mak-
ing us better, but actually its destroying us. Striving to be the best is entirely different from trying to be perfect.
According to THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, the pressure to become better and better has turned into an EPIDEMIC. It has linked
severe anxiety disorders to extremely unrealistic standards we have set for ourselves. In organizations, the pursuit of perfectionism is affecting both
leaders and teams alike. According to a clinical psychologist a perfectionist is a person “who strives for flawlessness, for a perfect creation, outcome
or performance. They find it difficult to delegate, even if that means neglecting their health, relationships, and wellbeing for a ‘perfect’ outcome”.
Working hard to achieve high standards isn’t a bad thing if we approach it properly.
But now the generation which is always aiming high, has turned the concept of perfectionism into an unhealthy habit eventually used as a
shield to protect themselves against the pain of being vulnerable – they don’t want to be blamed or judged by others. Unhealthy perfectionism has
lead to eating disorders, depression, high blood pressure, low self esteem and thoughts of suicide. Today’s dominant thought everyone nurtures is ‘I
have to excel at everything I do’ followed by an intense self criticism of a complete failure if I fall short. There is a constant pressure to appear flaw-
less due to fear of failure, along with our desire to be loved and admired. With the growing influence of social media, across the globe, it has pro-
jected itself as a space to perceive and achieve perfection – the more likes you get, the closer you are to feeling perfect.
An increasing trend among young people seen is they hold irrational standards for themselves by creating unrealistic expectations with
regard to their academic and professional achievement, looks and possessions, thus creating a modern myth that their lives should be perfect. Stud-
ies among North American teens, exhibits rise in unhealthy perfectionism, thus endangering lives of youngsters. A paradox of perfectionism is that
it’s an impossible goal, as the more you try to win someone else’s validation, the worse you become. In the words of Greek philosopher –“Pleasure
in the job puts perfection in the work”. Rather than seeking for perfection, he argues that we must find meaning in our lives filled with value or
worth. A grave mistake most people make is that a meaningful life needs to be perfect, thus not allowing them to see the value in ordinary things.
How to get perfection out of your way:
We must change the lens. Do the hardest to be at the top of the game, improve every aspect you can until the last possible second, then let
it go. Don’t over think it .It will never be perfect as perfection is overrated. Never was a business idea, design or article good enough in your head-
just launch it. Once you have launched, avoid distractions and analysis. Keep the momentum going on, just focus on making progress and enjoy the
journey while you reach your destination. The key is to realize that an endeavor can be worthwhile even if it’s not perfect.
About Author:
Dr. Majo Joseph
Dr. Majo Joseph is an Ayurveda Consultant, & General Practitioner. He is also a Psychology And Counselling, Wellness Trainer.
SWASTHA
A GEMCOKATI EMPLOYEES INITIATIVE
Volume 8, Issue 10