Mines and Minerals

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 …

Seafloor Mining : Environmental Concerns – UPSC GS3 Read More »

Facts: India produces 95 minerals and has the same potential as South Africa and Australia but the mining sector was under-explored and India still had to import minerals like gold and coal. The contribution of the mining sector to the GDP is only 1.75 per cent. One per cent growth in the mining sector generates …

Mining in India – UPSC GS3 Read More »

 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 …

PMKKKY – UPSC GS3 Read More »

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 …

Sand Mining Read More »

Why has coal mining been opened up? The Centre opened up commercial coal mining for the private sector. About 70% of power generated in India uses coal. Domestic coal has been able to meet only 75% of our annual coal demand. What is the significance of the move? The government has termed it the most …

Coal Mining Reforms Read More »

Context: The Union environment ministry has suggested to the Union mines ministry that the ‘polluter pays’ principle which states that those who produce pollution should pay for the damage done to human health and the environment should be included in the national mineral policy (NMP) so that the miners become “cautious” and “responsible”. Reasons for …

Mining: Polluters Pay Principle Read More »

  Context: Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals deep under the waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of peninsular India.   Findings: GSI has confirmed the presence of large amount of lime mud, phosphate-rich and calcareous sediments, hydrocarbons, metalliferous …

Minerals in Indian Waters Read More »

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 …

National Mineral Exploration Policy Read More »

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. …

Illegal mining Read More »