The Mines Ministry has decided to impose a penalty of up to Rs.500,000 on those who violate provisions of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 2017. The ministry has notified the new rules which will be supersede Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 1988. It had a provision of fine of Rs.50,000, or imprisonment up to two years. The new norms also make star rating of mines mandatory, which will facilitate scientific and efficient mining. Not doing so will attract suspension of mining operations in the mines where at least four star rating has not been achieved within a period of two years from the date of notification of these rules or two years from the date of commencement of mining operation. Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of these rules shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to two years, or with fine which may extend to Rs.500,000, or with both, and in the case of a continuing contravention, with additional fine which may extend to Rs.50,000 for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention, the ministry said in a gazette notification dated 27 February. These rules shall apply to all minerals, except petroleum and natural gas; coal, lignite and sand for stowing; and minor minerals.