Govt launches portal for rating of mines

To ensure mining companies follow all regulatory rules, the Ministry of Mines has launched a portal for online filing of evaluation template for star rating of mines, which will prompt miners to quickly adopt sustainable practices for a higher rating.

Initially, the mining companies have to self-certify their mines through online filing in various columns about steps they have taken on various mining issues including scientific and systematic mining, resettlement and rehabilitation, local community engagements and welfare programmes, progressive and final mine closure and adoption of international standards.

Once the mining companies completed their self-certification, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) will conduct the survey on each mine about its claim through third party.  Based on the survey, each mine will get rating with maximum five-star.

Rating will be given to around 4,000 major mineral mines spread across the country. Within three years, all mines have to get at least four-star rating. “The move is aimed at having all mines in India meeting  the required parameters to achieve at least four-star rating in the next three years,” Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar said.

Three years down the line, if any mine having just three or below star, such mines will be closed down, as they would be treated as violating mining norms, said an official from the Ministry of Mines.

Pilot star rating was awarded to 19 mines at the first National Conclave on Mines and Minerals in Raipur on July 4-5.