New Delhi: Ahead of proposed auction of mines, including those bearing iron ore and limestone, the government has made it clear that firms having valid environment clearances (EC) for their projects are not required to obtain fresh green nod at the time of renewal of the leases.
"It is clarified that the project proponent (PP) which has a valid and subsisting EC for their mining projects either under the EIA (environmental impact assessment) Notification, 1994 or EIA Notification, 2006, will not be required to obtain fresh EC at the time of the renewal of the lease," the Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF) said.
However, this would be subject to the maximum period of validity of the EC being given for mining lease for 30 years, the ministry said in an office memorandum, issued after examination of relevant judicial pronouncements.
The development comes in the backdrop of the Centre in the process of finalising bidding norms for auction of mines of 10 minerals such as iron ore, limestone and bauxite.
The clarification has been made as the ministry has received reference on the applicability of the provision of requirement of EC at the time of renewal of lease, even if a valid and subsisting EC is held by a PP, it said.
The move follows the Centre reinstating environmental clearances of Goa's 72 mines, which were revoked by the previous UPA government. At present, mineral-rich states are in the process of identifying mines for auction.
The states such as Jharkhand and Odisha have identified about 200 mines, including 12 iron ore and 168 limestone blocks, that can be auctioned once the Centre finalises rules for bidding process.
Last month, Parliament had passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015, paving the way for auction of mines bearing minerals like iron ore, bauxite and limestone.
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