Factual position of mineral cases

The state government has clarified that the number of hearing of mineral cases as quoted is beyond facts. The factual position is that Mineral Resources Development Minister has heard total 107 cases under the rules framed as per Mineral Act of the Union Government. It was decided to recommend 30 of these cases to the Union Government after granting prospecting licence. In remaining 77 cases, order has been passed to give another chance to applicants who remained absent during hearing. It is noteworthy that a writ petition to this effect has already been set aside by Madhya Pradesh High Court.

It has been clarified that it was decided to grant prospecting licences in 30 cases. Of these, proposals seeking prior permission for granting prospecting licences were sent to the Union Government in only 7 cases. The department has not passed any final order in remaining cases. There is a provision to dispose of cases within 9 months under Mining Act of the Union Government and concerning rules.