Karnataka govt to bring new mining policy, says Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani

Karnataka government will bring a new mining policy to promote sustainable development in the mining sector soon, the state's Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani said on Saturday.

Nirani, who met with Union Minister for Coal and Mining Pralhad Joshi to discuss issues related to mining sector here, told reporters that the mining policy will focus on several issues related to mining including introducing single-window clearance for bring transparency in the sector, speed up approvals of the projects and holdings Lok Adalats to resolve mining-related problems.

The state also plans revival of defunct, old mines and ramp up capacity of Hutti Gold Mines Company Ltd, he said.

The government has plans to set up a mining school similar to Dhanbad School of Mining in Jharkhand to enhance skills of the Bhovi community who are largely engaged in stone quarrying activities, he added.

Illegal mining complaints coming from every place and the government wanted to address the issue on top priority, he said.

The government is also allowing the transportation of sand through two-wheeler and three-wheeler foe those who construct their own houses.

The state could not utilise district mineral fund due to various issues including pending cases in the Supreme Court. These issues have been discussed with Joshi also sought help from the Central Government to solve this.

The issues related to forest and environment clearances to the mining sector, he said he will discuss with Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar and try to resolve problems, he said.

The state government will set up single-window clearances for mining sector for speedy approval.

Around Rs 25,000 crore will be collected in district mineral funds and an action plan will be prepared to take development in mining activities districts.