Mining reforms: Industry gives a thumbs up, environment concerns remain

Under the proposed reforms, captive mines would be allowed to sell 50 per cent of the minerals excavated in a year

Though the fine print and official confirmation of the mining sector reforms the Union Cabinet approved on Wednesday are yet to come, industry players are elated at the steps taken. There are, however, concerns over implementation at the state level and the environmental impact of mining.

“Directionally, it is a good set of reforms. But since implementation is with state governments, the key lies in how each state executes it at its end. Even today, for a final go or no go, in terms of approvals, it takes about three-four years, and this scares away investors,” said Ritabrata Ghosh, assistant vice