The differences between the steel and mines ministries on amending the existing MMDR Act simply refuse to die. This time the two are pitted against each other in a turf war on protecting the interests of the state-run behemoths in reserving mining areas for them in order to ensure a level-playing field.
This draft Meghalaya mining policy details series measures initiated by the government to tap various minerals. It stresses on urgent need to protect the environment along with the mining activities & talks about foreign direct investment and public-private partnership to tap rich mineral resources.
Bowing to intense pressure from the states, the Coal Ministry is understood to have endorsed their demand for value-addition of captive coal blocks falling within their respective boundaries.
Having already de-allocated the linkages of 25 captive power plants for keeping their linkages idle, the Coal Ministry has identified its next target: companies that are doing nothing with their coal blocks. Nearly 15 firms may soon lose their blocks if the ministry carries out the plan.
PROJECTS in states with coal mines may be given preferential treatment in allocation of coal blocks as the government looks to push growth in coal-rich states that remain economically backward.
