The ministry of mines has started a consultation process with other ministries on key reform proposals including introduction of seamless exploration-cum-mining-cum-production regime and doing away with the distinction between captive and non-captive mines before the cabinet for its approval.
“We are in discussion with other ministries. Once that is done, we will take them before the cabinet for its approval,” a senior mines ministry official said.
The proposal to introduction of the seamless exploration-cum-mining-cum-production regime of virgin areas had been among the long-pending wish-lists of the mining industry. Announcing the reform proposals on May 16, as part of the Atmanirbhar package, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said five hundred blocks would be offered through this open transparent mechanism, without giving any time-frame.
