Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules-2017

• 29 Jul 2022

Why In News?

• On July 28, 2022, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal to amend the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules.

Key Points

• With the above amendments, proper mining of minerals will be done in a scientific and environment-friendly manner and the economy of the state will get a boost.
• According to the proposal, changes have been made in various rules of Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules-2017. As per the amended rules, the period of mining leases/quarry licenses of minor minerals will be extended from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2040, subject to payment of a certain premium.
• In the revised rules, the premium to be charged on transfer of mining leases of minor minerals will now be charged up to 5 times and maximum of Rs. 5 lakh instead of 10 times the dead rent/license fee and maximum of Rs 10 lakh and the lease holders will be given mining leases of minor minerals. For this, quarterly online return will have to be filed instead of monthly.
• In the new rules, the maximum limit of 4 hectares for issuing minor mineral mining leases in khatedari land will also be removed, so that scientific and safe mining can be promoted. Also, the land available near the mining leases/quarry licenses of minor minerals can be allotted to the mining leases/licensees up to a certain area on payment of the prescribed premium.
• According to the new provision from the point of view of ease, registration of mines can be done without environmental permission, but mining will start only after obtaining environmental permission.
• It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Gehlot has approved the draft notification of amendment in Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules-2017 in implementation of the budget announcement for the year 2022-23.