Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules 2021

On 10^th November, 2021, the Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017.

• The MCDR have been framed under section 18 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to provide rules regarding conservation of minerals, systematic and scientific mining, and development of the mineral in the country and for the protection of environment.

Highlights of Amendments

Advance Technology in Survey

• All plans and sections related to mine shall be prepared by combination of Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS) or Total Station or by drone survey.

Submission of Digital Images of Mining Area

• New Rule inserted to provide for submission of digital images of mining area by lessees and Letter of Intent holders.
• Lessees having annual excavation plan of 1 million tonne or more or having leased area of 50 hectare or more are required to submit drone survey images of leased area and up to 100 meters outside the lease boundary every year.
• Other lessees to submit high resolution satellite images.

Omission of Daily Return Provision

• Provision of daily return omitted to reduce compliance burden.
• Power of taking action against incomplete or wrong or false information in monthly or annual returns given to IBM, in addition to State Govt.

Penalty

• Major Violations: Penalty of imprisonment, fine or both.
• Minor Violations: Penalty reduced. Penalty of only fine for such violations prescribed.
• Violation of other rules has been decriminalized. These rules did not cast any significant obligation on the concession holder or any other person. Thus, violation of 24 rules has been decriminalized.

Impact

• The new rules will not only improve mine planning practices, security and safety in the mines but also ensure better supervision of mining operations.