Haryana approves amendment in mining rules

The Haryana government has approved the proposal of the the mines and geology department to amend the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of illegal Mining Rules, 2012.

The amended rule 6 (1) will ensure the smooth execution of maintenance of canal beds and drainage networks in the state by the irrigation department. The irrigation department would be required only to inform the director, mines and geology, and mining officer of the district concerned about the undertaking of maintenance work, instead of obtaining permits. A permit would be required only for the disposal of the mineral excavated outside the site of operation.

Moreover, the maximum period for the grant of permits has been increased to five years from the existing two years.

A provision has also been made to empower the state to put restrictions on mineral concession holders, to protect the interest of associated downstream mineral-based processing industries, like stone crushing.

According to the new provision, the state may restrict the mineral concession holders’ consumption of mineral production for self use.In the interest of maintaining fair competition and safeguarding against the creation of any monopoly, the government may also restrict the grant of a number of mineral concessions to an agency in an area.