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Sessions Roundup of NCMM 2018

Inaugural Session

The 3rd

National Conclave on Mines & Minerals(NCMM) was inaugurated by

Sri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of Mines and Sri Haribhai

Parthibai Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Mines, Secretary Mines ,

Secretary Designate Mines, Additional Secretary Mines and other dignitaries,

on, 20th

March 2018 at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi.

In his welcome address Sri Arun Kumar, Union Mines Secretary, welcomed

the dignitaries, senior leaders from industry and participants attending the

conclave. In his welcome remarks he briefed about the development made in

the mining sector. He appraised the gathering about the events to be conducted

through out the day which include, awards to 57 mines for being rated as 5 star,

launch of PMKKKY (Prime Minister Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana). He also

briefed about the launch of Sand Mining Framework designed to guide the

State Governments to address their areas of concern. He appraised that the

number of auctions coming up has increased due to amendments in auction

rules.

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The Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Mines, in his key note address,

emphasised the role of mining sector as a backbone for country’s economy and

contribution to GDP growth, employment generation etc. He highlighted the

vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, for accountability, transparency and ease

of doing business. He said that the ministry is working as a facilitator and is

adopting the information technology, to achieve this goal. During his address,

he flagged certain important issues for deliberation on this conclave i.e,

simplification of environmental clearances for its expeditious grant, working

out the possibility of using alternative of sand, skill development in mining

sector, increasing the production of mineral and employment generation.

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Dr.K.Rajeswar Rao, Union Mines Additional Secretary gave an overview on

the Star Rating System for sustainable growth of mining sector. He explained

the system of star rating of mines and the review mechanism, which is

voluntary declaration by the lessee and the validation process for the same. He

emphasized that this system will help in reducing mining footprints. He further

said that various countries have applauded and shown keen interest in the star

rating system being adopted in India. He expressed that the star rating system is

a system of self assessment of the work done by the mines and this gives an

opportunity of introspection for getting evaluated by themselves.

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After the address of Additional Secretary, the top twenty, five star (*) rated

mines were felicitated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines and Union Minister

of State for Mines. Each awardee mines was given shield, by Hon’ble Union

Minister of Mines.

An overview on sand mining framework was presented by Sri Prithul Kumar,

Director, Ministry of Mines. He narrated the back ground for making this

framework document whose genesis lies in the feedback from the Minister’s

conference held in April, 2017. He explained the concept and methodology for

framing it and the benefits which can be accrued out of this framework. The

alternatives of the river sand may be given due thrust, which can ease out the

pressure on the demand for River Sand. On this occasion, a “Sand Mining

Framework” was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines and Union

Minister of State for Mines and other dignitaries on the dias.

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Phase-I module of Mining Tenement System (MTS) including the PMKKKY

portal was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines. After its

launching, Shri N K Singh Joint Secretary (Mines) gave a small overview on

the Mining Tenement System (MTS) which is being developed by Indian

Bureau of Mines with M/s WIPRO as implementing agency and NISG as

PMU. He informed that the system will facilitate the capturing of the entire

mine life cycle including data regarding mineral concession, royalty, NMET

collection and information related to it’s utilisation etc. He said that PMKKKY

is integrated with DMF where the information regarding collections and

utilisation of funds is very vital for various stake holders. He informed that the

portal for MTS will cater to Coal/Lignite minerals, non coal minerals and

minor minerals.

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A key note address was given by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Mines. In his

address, he expressed his happiness for continuing the Conclave celebration for

discussion with industry, continuously for the third time. He expressed that the

mineral raising should commensurate with carrying capacity of the nature. He

highlighted the importance of contribution of mining sector in GDP which is

important for employment generation. He further highlighted the efforts of the

Government expediting the auctions by bringing amendments in the Auction

Rules and bringing in complete transparency in awarding the mineral

concessions. He also put light on the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan

Yojana (PMKKKY) and the objectives of this scheme, for the inclusive growth

of Mining affected People.

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At the end of the inaugural session, a vote of thanks was extended by Sri

R.K.Sharma, Secretary general, FIMI. He thanked Hon’ble Union Minster of

Mines and Union Minister of State for Mines for sparing their valuable time for

success of this Conclave. He also thanked Union Mines Secretary for his grate

contribution in development of mining sector. He thanked other dignitaries

sitting on the dias and off the dias, for their august presence. He also thanked

the participants and press for attending the function.

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Technical Session I

Presentations - 1. Presentation on auctioning of Mineral Blocks & implementation of schemes

under PMKKKY

SESSIONS ROUND-UP

The first session was chaired by Shri Arun Kumar, Union Mines Secretary, and

Sri Anil Mukkim, OSD was Rapporteur. Shri N K Singh J.S, Shri K Rajeshwar

Rao, Addl Mines Secretary, Shri Prithul Kumar and Shri Amit Saran Director

were present on the dias.

FIRST PRESENTATION BY MSPL

On the occasion Shri Meda Venkataiah of M/s MSPL shared his experience of

auction process. The company acquired 2 ML blocks through auction process. M/s

MSPL observed that the data provided by MECL was not consistent with Minerals

(Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015. He also mentioned inconsistency of the

geological reports. He raised the issues for ensuring the availability of sufficient area

for dumping before auctioning of mineral blocks for brown field areas. The

inconsistency in RR plan period (20 years) and the lease period (50 years) was also

highlighted.

Controller General IBM explained that the RR plan period is decided by the

committee constituted by the MoEF whereas the period of Mining Plan is governed by

the prescribed rules under MMDR Act.

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SECOND PRESENTATION BY DALMIA

Sh U.R Raju, Executive Director, M/s Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited presented that

they were preferred bidder for 3 blocks in auction process. He highlighted the benefit

of e-auction, which brings more transparency in the allocation process of mineral

concession, elimination of non serious players and fast turnaround of explored mineral

blocks. He expressed concerns about inadequate exploration data (G3) and

inconsistency in lease area in the auction document. He also expressed concern about

delay in issue of Letter of Intent (LoI) for mining lease and procedural delay with

regard to the provisions of environment and forests. He expected greater support from

government authority in expeditious grant of clearances. He also suggested that the

company should be allowed to take out bulk samples, for designing beneficiation

process prior to the execution of lease. He expressed that the performance security

deposit may not be insisted immediately after MDPA.

THIRD PRESENTATION BY THE STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

Smt Alarmel Mangai D, Director Mines and Geology Chattisgarh shared the

highlights of the state. She informed that Chattisgarh contributes 21.16% coal, 16.17%

iron ore, 1.19% of Limestone & 7.92% of Bauxite production of India. In

Chhattisgarh, total five (5) blocks of mineral Limestone have been auctioned till date.

The estimated resources in these five blocks was 557.90 Million Tonnes, admeasuring

an area of 1564.95 Ha. Out of these 5 auctioned mineral blocks, Guma Limestone

Block was auctioned at final price offer of 138.25% which was the highest bid in India

. The auctions would generate total revenue of 27,156 crore to the State Government.

Total seven (7) blocks of bauxite and limestone mineral are also under pipe line for

auctioning in the year 2018-19. Another seven (7) limestone blocks are under

consideration for auctioning in the year 2019-20. She informed that the Chhattishgarh

was the first state to notify State DMF rule. For effective implementation of

PMKKKY scheme Chhattisgarh Government has made simple and transparent

procedures for sanction of funds. Separate DMF team has been constituted in the State

for the said purpose. The State has also developed a web portal for monitoring the

DMF contributions and to assess the status of implementation of projects under

PMKKKY. The power for the purpose of utilization of DMF fund are with the

governing council headed by District Collector of the concerned District.

FOURTH PRESENTATION BY THE STATE OF ODISHA

Shri S K Popli Special Secretary, Government of Odisha shared the experience with

regard to auction and implementation of PMKKKY by the State and also the status of

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exploration of the leases which will expire in 2020. He also shared the status of

exploration in these leases. In the State of Odisha, 5 blocks of notified minerals

auctioned so far. Out of these, 3blocks pertains to iron ore,1 each for Manganese &

Limestone. The reserves of iron ore in these 03 blocks are 274.41 million tonnes,

Manganese reserves in one block is 11.06 million tonnes and limestone in one block is

98.69 million tonnes. These auctioned blocks are estimated to generate additional

revenue of about Rs 24,920 crores over a period of 50 years. State has also issued NIT

for the 4th

phase of auction, for 5 blocks. Another 4 blocks are ready to be put for the

5th

phase of auction. Further 5 blocks are nearing completion of exploration and will

be ready for next phase of auction. In addition to this, 30 mining leases are also

expiring on 31th March, 2020. Out the 30 leases, 6 have completed the exploration.

District Mineral Foundation (DMF) has been constituted in all the 30 districts of

Odisha. Under the DMF, Rs.1495.47 crore is collected from coal/lignite, Rs. 2661.4

crore from major minerals and Rs.29.09 crore from minor minerals. The total number

of projects sanctioned under PMKKKY are 6813. Out of these, the numbers of

projects falling under high priority areas are 5281.

He requested Ministry of Mines that compensatory afforestation may be dispensed of

in those mining leases expiring on 31.03.2020 where the compensatory afforestation

has already been taken up in the past. He requested the Ministry to take up this matter

with MoEF.

FOURTH PRESENTATION BY THE STATE OF KARNATAKA

Shri Prasanna Kukar Director, Department of Mines and Geology made the

presentation on the experience of Karnataka state on auction and DMF

implementation. He said that Karnataka is leading producer of Iron ore, Chromite and

Dunite. State has got 9960 MMT of Iron ore resources (both Hematite & Magnetite),

108.80 MMT of Gold ore, 52199 MMT of limestone and 55 MMT of bauxite ore. For

auction of the mineral blocks, the state has prioritized the cancelled ‘C’ Category

mines, followed by green field blocks, leases expiring in 2020 & the area falling under

the lapsed application under section 10(A)(2)(c) of the Act. Till date, seven (7) blocks

of cancelled category ‘C’ mines, are successfully auctioned. Out of seven (7)

auctioned blocks, mining lease has been executed in two (2) blocks. Further, State has

issued NIT for auction of another eight (8), category ‘C’ mines. State has also planned

to auction eight (8) new mineral blocks in the F.Y. 2018-19. State has also identified

forty six (46) numbers of leases expiring in 2020. The DMF in the state has been

established on 5.11.2015. State has sanctioned total 6584 of scheme/projects under

PMKKKY for which Rs. 37059.92 lakh has been allocated. Total 4,93,627

beneficiaries will be covered under these projects. The expenditure incurred so far

under PMKKKY is Rs.1434.62 lakh.

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FIFTH PRESENTATION BY THE STATE OF GUJARAT

Shri Rupwant Singh, Commissioner Geology and Mines made presentation on

progress of auction of blocks and implementation of PMKKKY. The State of Gujarat

ranks 2nd

in terms of value of Minor Minerals and 4th

in terms of value of mineral

production. State has formulated Gujarat Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017

(GMMCR) for paving the way for public auctions of assets, opening opportunities for

domestic and international players. State has got two stage ascending forward auction

process, for Minor Minerals, in line with major mineral auction process. State leads in

production of chalk, Marl and Clay minerals. State has successfully auctioned 3

blocks of limestone from which additional revenue of Rs. 9,500/- is expected to

generate. State is upcoming with auction of 7 major mineral blocks for limestone and

bauxite in four districts. State is also planning for auction of 686 blocks of minor

minerals over 2500 hect. in 30 districts. All out efforts are also being made for

exploration of mineral blocks, both for major and minor minerals. Efforts are also

being made for attracting the global players for undertaking the exploration work in

the State. In the end he invited the industry for investment in the Granites, Blacktrap,

and sand auction.

***

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Technical Session II: Impetus on Exploration

Presentations - 1. Presentation on National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Project – By Dr. Dinesh

Gupta, ADG, GSI

2. Presentation on NMET - Exploratory projects – Shri R.N.Jha, CMD(I/C),

MECL

SESSIONS ROUND-UP

The second session was chaired by Dr. K.Rajeswara Rao, Union Mines

Additional Secretary, and the Rapporteur for the session was Sri Bipul Pathak,

Union Mines Joint Secretary. Shri Kutumba Rao D.G, GSI , Director, Shri

Joyesh Bagchi Director (Technical) and Shri R.K.Sharma, Secretary General

FIMI was on the dias.

NOTE ON PRESENTATION BY GSI

The first presentation of the session was given by Dr. Dinesh Gupta, on National

Aero-Geophysical Mapping Project in India . The status of Aero-Geophysical survey

covered by GSI till date is 15,00,553 L km/ 22,96,390 sq.km. The basic objectives of

Airborne survey are, rapid geophysical mapping, identification of structural/tectonic

features of regional scale, locating concealed subsurface mineral deposits etc. It was

informed that India has only 20% coverage by airborne geophysical survey where as

Australia has 90% coverage. The entire Obvious Geological Potential(OGP) and

surrounding areas were sub-divided into 12 blocks which are to be covered over a

span of 3 years with total area of 7,92,328 sq km/ 29,05,202 line km. Present status of

pilot projects being under taken in block 1 to 12 was also discussed.

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NOTE ON PRESENTATION BY MECL

The second presentation was on the exploration projects taken up by MECL through

National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). This presentation was given by Shri

R.N.Jha, CMD (I/C),MECL. He informed that a total of 81 proposals/ schemes are

approved for exploration under NMET funding. Out of 81 proposals, 64 proposals are

prepared by MECL, 07 by DGM, Andhra Pradesh, 04 by NMDC, 03 by TSMDC, 02

by KIOCL and 01 by NTPC. Out of 64 blocks of MECL, 30 blocks are earmarked for

Regional(Green Field) exploration, out of which 6 blocks have been completed. 30

blocks for G4/G3/G2 level of exploration for non-fuel mineral, 02 blocks of Regional

Exploration for Coal and 02 blocks for detail exploration for Lignite. He also

informed that out of 64 blocks, MECL has submitted a total of 22 geological reports.

The exploration for G4/G3/G2 is in progress in 8 blocks. Exploration work in 4

blocks could not be taken up due to local law& order problems. The exploration is in

progress in 01 Coal exploration block and 2 Lignite blocks. The total value of

approved Non-coal projects is Rs.146 crore and that of energy mineral project is

Rs.114 crore. The total value of work completed upto January, 2018 is Rs.56 crore.

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Technical Session III

Presentations of Five Star Rated Mines of 2018 on –

1. Innovative methodologies adopted for environmental impact mitigation –

By Ambuja Cement.

2. Leveraging modern technology in Mining by HZL

3. Socia Economic Development of Local Communities – by Sandur

Manganes & Iron Mine Pvt. Ltd.

4. Rehabilitation of Mined out areas by Hiedelberg Cements

SESSIONS ROUND-UP

The third session is chaired by Shri Anil Mukim, Union Mines OSD, and Sri Anil

Kumar Nayak, Union Mines Joint Secretary was Rapporteur. Shri Ranjan Sahai,

Shro K Rajeshwar Rao, Shri R K Sharma, Shri Prithul Kumar were also there

on the dias.

Technical Session –III

Sustainable Development Framework – Sharing of Best Practices

1. Innovative methodologies adopted for environmental impact mitigation –

By Ambuja Cement

Shri Dinesh Panwar of M/s Ambuja Cement Ltd. shared the best practice in

Rawan Limestone Mine, located at Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The said mine has

received the five star rating. The best practise in the field of Hydroseeding and

Dump stabilisation by Coir Matting was presented in the session. Hydroseeding

is a technology which can be used for stabilising dump slopes through

vegetation and can be used for covering a wide area for the purpose of

plantation. Mixture of seeds, fertiliser, mulch and water is spread over the

dump slopes through truck mounted hydro seeder of 2500 Litre capacity.

Experience of dump stabilisation by laying of coco fiber blankets and coir mats

on the dump slopes were also shared. The coir mats supports the saplings to

grow in their early stages over the dump slopes. The technology helps in

speedy growth of vegetation on the dump slopes, resulting in to better

stabilisation of dumps and enhancing the aesthetic beauty.

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2. Leveraging Modern Technology in Mining by Hindustan Zinc Limited

Shri L Shekhawat made presentation for M/s Hindustan Zinc Limited. He informed

that M/s Hindustan Zinc Limited is having total 5 working mining leases in the State

of Rajasthan. HZL is pioneer in the mineral exploration in India and adopted advance

techniques for exploration. It is using the advance mine planning & designing

software for optimizing the available resources. Innovative mining is carried out by

multiple stopping sequence method to optimize extraction of ore, which also helps in

improving the ore recovery with increasing depth. Backfilling of mined out stopes,

using State of the art paste filling technology, is being practiced by them. HZL has

also deployed the state-of-the-art technology for mining, which immensely helped in

optimum recovery of insitu ore, from the deeper horizons of underground mines.

3. Social Economic Development of Local Communities – by Sandur Manganes

& Iron Mine Pvt. Ltd.

Shri Abdul Salim of M/s The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ore Mines Pvt. Limited made

the presentation . He gave an overview on different measures taken by his company

on socio-economic development of local community. He apprised about the measures

taken up for Education, Flood relief, Healthcare etc. The company has constructed

about 762 houses for flood affected people in Siriguppa Taluk. It contributed about

Rupees Nine Crore towards BATF (District Administration towards development of

Ballari district). Also constructed 600 individual toilets for the purpose of ODF.

Under the health care initiatives, organised free medical camps and also provided free

medical care to local villages from their company hospital. In Education Sector,

SMIORE supports 13 educational institutional by providing infrastructure support and

expenditure support to these institutions. Free mid day meals are also sponsored for

about 1200 students on regular basis. An amount of Rupees One crore is being spent

regularly for meeting the annual expenditure for education.

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4. Rehabilitation of Mined out areas by Hiedelberg Cements

Shri R N Rai, Plant Head of M/s Hiedelberg Cement plant, Damoh informed that

Diamond Limestone Mine is having a Mining Lease extended over an area of 1247.67

ha. The total broken area in the mining lease, as on date is 201.56 ha and total

reclaimed area is 108.15 ha. The reclamation and Rehabilitation activity in the mine is

a regular feature. The area reclaimed and rehabilitated by way of water reservoir is

6.34 ha. The total plantation within the mining lease is 62150 numbers with a survival

rate of 94%. Reclamation extends up to 50% of the area. This amounts to around 10-

12 ha backfilled area per year. After excavating Limestone, the worked out area is

backfilled with hard shale and subsequent layers of screen rejects.. After reclaiming

by means of backfilling the area is turned out into a theme park.

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Valedictory session

The valedictory session was chaired by Sri Haribhai Parthibai Chaudhary, Hon’ble

Minister of State for Mines, Shri Arun Kumar, Union Mines Secretary, Shri Anil

Mukkim, OSD, Shri K Rajeshwar Rao, Addl Mines Secretary, Shri Sanjay Kumar

Pattnaik, President-FIMI Shri R.K.Sharma Secretary General-FIMI were present on

the dias.

The valedictory session was chaired by Sh. Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary, Hon’ble

Minister for State of Mines, Secretory Mines, Secretary Designated Mines ,

Additional Secretary Mines and other dignitaries. Shri Arun Kumar, Union Mine

Secretary summed up all the issues discussed in different technical sessions and

expressed satisfaction over the participation and enthusiasm shown by the industries.

He expressed that the Ministry will always be keen to resolve any incumbrances faced

by the industries. Shri Sanjay Kumar Pattnaik, President FIMI addressed the gathering

and expressed the necessity for promoting the mining industries for generation of

employment and ensuring the supply of raw material. He also expressed the

importance of exploration for augmenting the mineral resource base. He expressed his

thanks to the Ministry of Mines on behalf of industry for the steps taken by the

ministry for the growth of mineral sector. Felicitation of 37 five star rated mines was

done by the Hon’ble Minister for State of Mines. Hon’ble Minister praised the effort

made by the awardee mines for social economic development and environmental up

gradation in the area. He expressed that all the coordinating ministry and department

should work in coherence to facilitate the development the mineral sector. In this

regard he called upon the entire mining industry leader to take initiatives, adopt new

technology and take measures for protection of environment. He expressed that

Ministry will always support their efforts made in this line. Dr.N.K.Singh, Union

Mines Joint Secretary extended the vote of thanks to Hon’ble Union Minister of

Mines, Hon’ble Union Minister of State of Mines, all dignitaries and delegates. At the

end, the leaders of the awardee mines staged for a group photograph with the Hon’ble

MOS.

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