The Government of India is mulling extending the validity of key statutory approvals like environment and forestry clearances by three years in respect of mining leases headed for expiry by March 31, 2020. The step, if implemented, will ensure hassle-free auctions of the mines besides facilitating seamless change in ownership. Environment and forest clearances are considered to be major irritants to auction mines. To overcome them, the central government is considering an option to extend the validity of the expiring mining leases by three years. The onus will be on the new owners to renew the extended clearances.