Meghalaya govt to make mining policy acceptable to all

"We are taking on board all stakeholders including small time miners who are working in small areas mining minerals for local requirements and the bigger players as well," the chief minister told reporters prior to his departure to Goa to attend a power summit there.

Coal, limestone and other minerals are mined by private operators at their will and the absence of a regulatory policy for mining has affected the environment to a large extent besides employing ill equipped persons and sometimes children as labourers in these mines.

"The government is working and has given its commitment to regulate various mining activities through the new policy which would be notified," Sangma said.

The chief minister refuted allegations that he is sitting idle with the file for months without taking a final decision.

"Officials from the mining and geology department are working on the nitty-gritty of the policy which is aimed at the overall improvement of the policy," he said.

The cabinet had a thorough discussion on the matter and referred back to the department for finalisation. (MORE)