Delhi HC directs Centre to expedite decision on ArcelorMittal mining lease

Decision to be made before Jan 11, which is date of expiry of two-year period mentioned in the Act

The Delhi High Court asked the Centre on Monday to fast-track the decision-making process on an application for grant of a mining lease made by European steel manufacturing giant, ArcelorMittal, which intends to set up a 12 million tonne per year plant in the Indian state of Jharkhand.

ArcelorMittal brought the issue before the court, alleging government inaction for almost two years in processing the application, even after all requirements in line, the request being duly complied with under applicable mining laws.

The company contended that under Section 10A(2)(c) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act as amended in 2015, once a mining lease had been previously approved by the central government or if a letter of intent had been issued by the state government, such lease had to be granted subject to the fulfillment of terms and conditions within a period of two years from the introduction of the amendments.

After hearing the submissions made, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva issued a notice to the Centre and directed the government to take a decision on the issue before January 11, which is the date of expiry of the two-year period mentioned in the Act. In case the Centre approves the application, the state government can then execute the highly belated mining lease.

The court has listed the matter again for further consideration on January 12.