MoEF exempts renewal of mining from environment clearance

The environment ministry has exempted mining projects from seeking fresh environment clearance at the time of renewal of the mining lease.

The environment ministry has exempted mining projects from seeking fresh environment clearance at the time of renewal of the mining lease.

HT Image

The ministry had amended its Environment Protection Rules to exempt the renewal from tedious environment clearance process giving a major relief to the mining industry. It would mean automatic clearance for mining if the scope of the project does not change from the limit prescribed in the original environment clearance.

The notification was issued following a decision taken at a recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI). The CCI had taken a decision in this regard following a proposal made by coal and mining ministries.