Mines and Minerals

Seafloor Mining : Environmental Concerns – UPSC GS3

Polymetallic nodules: These are rocks that are rich in cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, rare-earth elements and titanium. The Pacific basin is thought to contain more than 30 billion tonnes of polymetallic nodules Scientists and entrepreneurs have been researching methods of extracting them since the 1960s. In 1994, the International Seabed Authority was established to regulate …

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PMKKKY – UPSC GS3

 Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY): This is a new programme meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs). Objectives of the scheme: to implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas that complement the existing ongoing schemes/projects …

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Sand Mining

Context: Sand is an important component for housing, infrastructure projects and construction activities. There have been various issues across the country in mining activities related to sand like non availability of sand, environmental degradation, high sand prices, illegalities in sand mining etc. The natural endowment of sand across many states is unable to meet the …

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National Mineral Exploration Policy

The NMEP primarily aims at accelerating the exploration activity in the country through enhanced participation of the private sector Major components: The policy seeks to uncover full mineral potential in order to put the nation’s mineral resources (non-fuel and non-coal) to best use and maximize sectoral contribution to the Indian economy It emphasizes on making …

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Illegal mining

Recent Events: The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered a complete ban on all mining activities in the state for four months. The HC bench ordered the state government to constitute a high-powered committee to look into various aspects of mining activities and find out whether mining activity should be permitted in the state at all. …

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