Meghalaya thinks of MMDC option to begin coal mining

Meghalaya government today said that coal mining could be legally carried out by Meghalaya Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (MMDC) in the state where mining of coal was banned three years ago by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Under provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 1957, MMDC was eligible to apply for coal mining lease under existing laws and with the consent of the people, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said here.
He said, "MMDC can act on behalf of the people or mine owners by coming up with arrangements in respect to the terms and conditions which is mutually acceptable, since mining activities will be done on the land of the people."

If MMDC was given the rights of a mine/land owner, certain revenue sharing model could be accordingly structured, the chief minister said.
The state government had urged the Centre to invoke Para 12A(b) of the Sixth Schedule through a presidential notification to ensure that provisions of MMDR Act and Coal Mines Nationalisation Act were exempted in Meghalaya. But the central nod has not yet come.
"We need to look at other options while we continue to pursue with Centre in respect of invocation of Para 12A(b) of the Sixth Schedule," he said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a blanket ban on unscientific coal mining in the state since April, 2014 affecting the economy of the state badly.

Once the MMDC has taken the mining lease, the mines need not be routed through auction, the Chief Minister said.
MMDC officials said that the mining would be done on scientific method as per the provisions of the MMDR Act 1957 and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.
They claimed that provisions of the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act allows MMDC to sub-lease mines to any person in any area.