Stakeholder Discussion on Proposed New Mineral Policy: Focus on Transparency, Technological Integration, and Streamlining Processes

Jaipur : Chief Minister and Mines Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the government’s priority to make the state a pioneer in the mining sector. He highlighted the importance of accelerating mineral exploration and mining activities, ensuring zero-loss mining, and generating more revenue and employment opportunities. Following his directives, the Mineral Department has begun implementing the budgetary announcements, including the introduction of a new mineral policy and revisions to the M-Send policy in the revised budget.

The state’s new mineral policy has been uploaded on the department’s portal for feedback from stakeholders and the public. Principal Secretary of Mines and Petroleum, Shri T. Ravikant, has initiated direct communication with stakeholders, representatives of mining associations, and leaseholders to gather insights and discuss improvements.

Shri T. Ravikant stated that efforts are underway to develop a localized mechanism to address issues in legitimate mining. He also noted that necessary steps would be taken to reduce the time spent on formalities following the auction of mining blocks. The goal is to make the mining department more technologically advanced, ensuring transparency, simplification, timely resolution of issues, and accountability.

He further added that mining should be carried out using the latest scientific methods and technology to achieve zero-loss mining while efficiently extracting valuable minerals. The clear directive from Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma is to boost industrial investment, employment, and revenue while advancing the region’s standing in the mining sector. Joint efforts are required from both the government and those involved in the mining industry to achieve these goals.

Director of Mines, Shri Bhagwati Prasad Kalal, acknowledged the government’s awareness of the challenges faced by the mining sector and noted that these are being addressed in the new policy. He described the feedback received during the discussions as positive and essential to driving the sector forward.

During the meeting, several key suggestions were put forward, including giving mining the status of an industry, ensuring the sector benefits from RIPS provisions, creating exclusive mining zones, improving coordination with other departments, and simplifying land-related issues. There were also proposals for the digitalization of processes, addressing overlaps with the forest department, and reducing delays in formalities after auctions, which cause revenue losses for both leaseholders and the government. Participants stressed the need to encourage legitimate mining and recommended that the mining department be equipped with modern technology, resources, and adequate human capital.

Additional Director Shri B.S. Sodha regarded the suggestions as constructive and assured that they would be considered by the department.

Several representatives from the mining sector, including Mr. Akshaydeep Mathur of the Mining Association Federation, Mr. Radhaballabh Maheshwari from Beawar, Mr. Mahendra Goyal from Neem Ka Thana, Mr. Suresh Singh from Beawar, Mr. Mahendra Singh Sankhla from Bharatpur, and others, provided valuable input during the discussions.