National Mineral Policy 2019 - Formulated after Supreme Court Judgement

National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to bring better regulation that can help in improved sustainable mining sector development. It also aims to bring transparent and balanced enforcement that helps the people (focus on the population of tribal areas) who get affected by mining projects.

The order for review and change of Mineral Policy came as a direction from Supreme Court judgement in the Common Cause versus Union of India case. In compliance with the Supreme Court Order, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr K Rajeswara Rao.

Aspirants can find information on the structure and other important details related to the IAS Exam, in the linked article.

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National Mineral Policy 2019 – Major Objectives

  1. Increase exploration activities with increased participation from the private sector
  2. Maximize the sectoral contribution to the Indian Economy
  3. Reduce Imports
  4. Feed into Make in India initiative

National Mineral Policy 2019 – Major Features

India’s Mining sector has faced a multitude of problems due to illegal mining, unscientific mining, violation of environment laws and lack of investments in the sector.

Below table gives details on the major features of the National Mineral Policy 2019

Features Details
Regulation of Minerals
  1. In order to improve Ease of Doing Business, procedures for grant of mineral concessions will be made more transparent
  2. Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and State Directorates of Mining & Geology will be strengthened and upgraded
  3. Emphasis on E-governance, satellite and remote sensing applications
Role of States in Mineral Development
  1. States have to come up with a road map for the development of the mineral sector
Prospecting and Exploration
  1. Making use of state of the art technologies including 2D/3D interpenetrative systems
  2. Special emphasis will be given to exploration fo energy-critical minerals, precious metals, strategic minerals and other minerals for which the country is mainly dependent on imports
  3. Increase co-operation between Geological Survey of India and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to ensure maximum exploration and extraction in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Database of Mineral Resources and Tenements
  1. The resource inventory will be maintained as per globally accepted standards
  2. Using IT for increased automation
  3. Increased collaboration between universities, research institutes
Mining and Mineral Development
  1. Mining technology will be upgraded to meet the demands of Make in India initiative
  2. Mergers and Acquisitions of mining entities will be encouraged
Conservation and Mineral Development
  1. Promoting zero-waste mining
Mining machinery and Mineral Beneficiation Equipment
  1. Encourage domestic manufacture of mining machinery and mineral beneficiation equipment
  2. Availability of equipment and machinery which increases productivity and safety of health of persons will be incentivized
Human Resource Development
  1. Making sure that there is adequately trained manpower at all levels.
Infrastructure Development
  1. Dedicated mineral corridors shall be developed to transport mineral from mining areas
  2. Use of coastal waterways and inland waterways
FDI
  1. Measures will be taken to attract foreign investments in the mining sector.

Related Links:

Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Amendment Bill 2015 Rat Hole Mining – Concerns and Challenges
Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules Marine Mineral Resource: Importance and Types of Resources
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy- Details on Requirement, Advantages & Disadvantages Environmental Impact Assessment – EIA History, Objectives, EIA Process

There were reduced employment opportunities due to mine closures and curbs in states like Karnataka, Goa, Odisha, Jharkhand. Moreover, there was a heavy trade deficit to the tune of Rs 3 Lakh crores in 2018, due to import of important commodities like coal, iron ore, manganese and gold. National Mineral Policy 2019 aims to solve the above problems of the Indian economy.

National Mineral Policy 2019 – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

Multiple Choice Question

Consider the following Statements

  1. Some of the Major objectives of National Mineral Policy 2019 is to reduce imports and feed into Make in India initiative.
  2. Within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the country has rights over natural resources. The country has jurisdiction over some activities for the reasons of environmental protection, among others.
  3. The difference between territorial sea and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is that the former confers full sovereignty over the waters, whereas the latter is merely a “sovereign right” which refers to the coastal nation’s rights below the surface of the sea. The surface waters are international waters.
  4. The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) established in 1948, is a multi-disciplinary government organisation under the Department of Mines, Ministry of Mines.

Choose the correct answer from the below-given options

A) None of the above-given statements are false.

B) Only statements 2 and 3 are true.

C) Only statements 1 and 4 are true.

D) None of the above-given statements are true.

Answer: A

FAQ about National Mineral Exploration Policy

Q1

What are the objectives of new mineral policy?

The objectives of National Mineral Policy 2019 is to have a more effective, meaningful and implementable policy that brings in further transparency, better regulation and enforcement, balanced social and economic growth as well as sustainable mining practices.
Q2

When was the policy National Mineral Exploration Policy launched?

National Mineral Policy was announced in March 1993. The policy introduced for the first time in 1993 to encourage private investment in exploration in mining.

Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Exams by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page.

Relevant Links:

IAS Salary Static GK
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Forest Rights and Environmental Laws in India – Issues in News
Kyoto Protocol Entered the Action Mode – [February 16, 2005] National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
National Solar Mission – 20000 MW of Solar Power United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Environment And Ecology Notes For UPSC Gist of Yojana January 2020 Issue: Environment
Paris Agreement (COP 21) – Everything You Need to Know Coal Mines In India – Major Coal Fields For General Awareness
Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) – The Big Picture: Commercial Mining of Coal NCERT Notes: Geography- Some major minerals and their characteristics
IAS General Studies Notes Links
Types Of Clouds Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme
Article 19 Of Indian Constitution Gef
World Development Report Afspa
Horn Of Africa Charter Meaning
Colonial Meaning Psir Optional

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