Diamond Mining in Panna | 16 Sep 2024
Why in News?
Recently, Panna district in Madhya Pradesh, a well-known diamond mining hub, announced an auction of rough diamonds.
Key Points
- Panna’s Diamond Industry:
- Panna has been a diamond mining center for centuries.
- The district’s diamond deposits have dwindled due to over-mining, making large discoveries rare.
- Mining serves as an alternative income source for the largely tribal population, with modest daily earnings of Rs. 250-300.
- Legal Issues: Most of the remaining diamond deposits are located in protected forest areas, restricting mining activities. The government is exploring legal solutions to expand operations.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: MMDR Act, 1957 governs mineral exploration and extraction in India. It grants the central government the authority to control mineral resources.
- When one finds a diamond, notify the local authorities, such as the District Collector or relevant mining department, about the diamond.
- Comply with regulations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the rules set by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).
- When one finds a diamond, notify the local authorities, such as the District Collector or relevant mining department, about the diamond.
- Mineral Concession Rules, 1960: These rules provide the detailed procedures for obtaining mining leases and licenses.
- Diamonds found on government land or within licensed mining areas, rights may belong to the government or the mining leaseholder, subject to the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.
- Distinction: Despite land ownership, the extraction of minerals requires separate permits from the government, and ownership of minerals may differ from land ownership.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: MMDR Act, 1957 governs mineral exploration and extraction in India. It grants the central government the authority to control mineral resources.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957
- Regulation of Mineral Resources:
- The Act governs the exploration, extraction, and regulation of mineral resources in India, providing the central government with authority to control and manage these activities.
- Licensing and Lease:
- It establishes the framework for granting licenses and leases for mineral exploration and mining, including procedures for obtaining mining rights.
- Control and Compliance:
- The Act mandates adherence to prescribed standards and regulations for mineral extraction, ensuring environmental protection and proper management of resources.
- Central Government Authority:
- The central government has the power to issue directives and enforce regulations related to the development and regulation of mineral resources, including the collection of mineral royalties and fees.