Mining without NOC

Tuesday, December 01, 2009: The Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (Shri B.K. Handique) has said that state government grants mineral concession in respect of specified minerals listed in the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957. The existing provisions in Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 allow an applicant to submit the NOC before the commencement of mining operations. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, he said as such even at present there is no requirement that NOC has to be obtained before applying for mining lease. The National Mineral Policy, 2008 has given certain policy directions and an exercise is underway to give legislative backing to the policy.