Orissa for integration of state, IBM mining data

As part of its efforts to bring in greater transparency and accountability in mineral raising and transport business, the steel & mines department of Orissa has urged the Union mines ministry to integrate the state's online monitoring system with that of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

“Our online monitoring system captures the entire data related to mining activities including the quantum of ore raised as well as sales and despatch figures. Integrating our online system with that of IBM will enable the Central investigative agency to record this data for use. Integrating systems of the steel and mines department and IBM will also prevent any possible mismatch and duplication of data,” said a top official source.

The official informed that almost all the stakeholders including mine lessees, traders, stockists and end-users involved in mine extraction and transport business have got themselves registered with the IBM.

Earlier, the steel & mines department had asked IBM to furnish list of mine owners, traders, stockists, exporters and end-users who have registered themselves with the Central government agency. The department had stated that many stakeholders were yet to apply for registration with IBM which is mandatory under the amended Rule-45 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules-1988 notified by the Union mines ministry.

As per the amended Rule-45 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 1988 which have been notified in the Gazette of India on February 9, 2011, it is mandatory for owner, agent, mining engineer or manager of every mine or any person or company engaged in trading or storage or end-use or export of minerals to apply for registration number online and get themselves registered with IBM. It is also necessary to quote the registration number in all types of transactions related with minerals, beginning from producers to end-users. The steel & mines department had threatened not to issue e-permits to unregistered users.

Meanwhile, issue of e-permits has started with 4-5 mine lessees being issued such permits in the Joda mining circle in Keonjhar district. Other lessees in the Joda circle are expected to be given e-permits soon and the system will be subsequently extended to other mining circles.