Further, Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 (MMDRA) empowers the central government to frame rules for conservation and sustainable development of minerals and for the protection of environment by preventing or controlling pollution that may be caused by prospecting or mining operations. The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 2017 (MCDR) regulate environmental aspects of mining and provides for sustainable mining.
The principal regulatory bodies are the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) and the Central and State Pollution Control Board. Specifically, in relation to mining, the Indian Bureau of Mines and the state government also regulate mining.
Environmental review and permitting process
What is the environmental review and permitting process for a mining project? How long does it normally take to obtain the necessary permits?
The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 notified by the MoEF under the EPA provisions regulates the grant of environment clearances. The impact on the environment resulting from a mining project is assessed by an EIA study. Consequently, an environmental management plan is prepared and the environment clearance is granted stipulating conditions to minimise impact on the environment from the project.
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