India Opens Up Offshore Areas for Mineral Exploration
The Indian government has announced the availability of several offshore blocks for mineral exploration and production. The blocks, spread across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, are rich in various minerals, including Construction Sand, Lime Mud and Polymetallic Nodules and Crusts.
New Amendments to Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules
The Mines and Petroleum Department of Rajasthan announced the new Rules are called Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024
Jharkhand Introduces New District Mineral Foundation Trust Rules
The Government of Jharkhand announced the Jharkhand District Mineral Foundation (Trust) Rules 2024, aimed at addressing the impacts of mining operations on local communities and environments.
Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024
Offshore areas will only be available for grant of operating rights after being notified in the Official Gazette by the administering authority. The government, government companies, or corporations have the priority to obtain operating rights for reserved offshore areas.
Extension of Public Utility Service Status for Iron Ore Mining
The Central Government has declared that services related to Iron Ore Mining will continue to be recognized as a public utility service for an additional six months.
Enhanced Coal Quality Assurance through Independent Sampling
On July 31, 2024, PIB Delhi reported that to address consumer concerns about coal quality, the Ministry of Coal issued a Standard Operating Procedure for Third Party Sampling and Analysis at the loading point on November 26, 2015.
Draft Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Notified
Several activities will be prohibited or regulated within the ESA, including mining, expansion of existing polluting industries, and large-scale construction projects. Existing mining operations will be phased out within five years. However, existing healthcare facilities and repair/extension of residential houses are exempted.
Stakeholders’ Consultation on Draft Mining Plan Guidelines for Coal and Lignite Mines- 2024
The Key elements include the mandatory inclusion of restoration, remediation, and regeneration measures in mining plans to ensure sustainable natural resource management. These measures aim to minimize environmental impacts, address community concerns, and promote continuous improvement in water quality monitoring.
BIS Issues Standards On Sanitary Appliances, Plywood, Health Care Products and Mechanical Equipment
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued revised certain standards on Sanitary Appliances and Mechanical Equipment. Additionally, BIS has introduced amendments to the standard of Methods of Test for Plywood and standard for Sterilization of Health Care Products. These notifications were published on May 30 and June 4, 2024.
Ministry Of Mines Amends Quality Control Orders On Nickel, Copper and Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys
Through these amendments, the Ministry has extended the date from which each of these QCOs shall come into force. These enforcement dates were originally fixed as August 31, 2023 and have now been extended till December 1, 2024.