Question raised in Rajya Sabha on Forest clearances for mining projects, 07/12/2015. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has received 518 proposals, involving forest area more than 40 ha, seeking prior approval of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 including coal and iron ore mining projects. Out of total, 423 proposals have been approved by the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 while 40 proposals have been rejected by the Central Government. State wise and year wise details of the proposal received by the Central Government and decision thereon is given at Annexure-I.