NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday lifted the end-use restriction for coal mines to end the captive mining regime, one of the last vestiges of the licence-quota raj, and opened the gates wider for private entry when the blocks are auctioned for commercial coal mining.
In a related decision, the Cabinet’s panel on economic affairs also decided to automatically transfer to new owners the environment and forest clearances for iron ore mines being auctioned as their leases expire on March 31. Besides, a composite licence for prospecting and mining for coal will also be introduced.
The Cabinet panel cleared an ordinance to introduce the amendments needed to relax conditions in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDR Act) and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
