KOLKATA | Nov 23, 2016: The Mines Ministry is seeking data for 700 mines of major minerals in the country for rating under sustainable development framework by November 30.

"We are targeting data from 700 mines and last date is November 30 for rating. Though this time this is voluntary but once Mineral Conservation and Development Rules are changed it will become an annual mandatory excercise," Indian Bureau of Mines controller general R K Sinha told PTI.

He was in city in a sensitisation roadshow for rating of mines in city for the region. Government had introuced rating from this year but only a handful of mines participated.

Some 80 mining officials from West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha participated the event and highlighted problems related to online submission of data.

Sinha remained optimistic about participation of mines for rating this year.

Sinha said for this year along with online submission a hard copy of the information should also be submitted.

The bureau also felicitated Tata Steel for Noamundi Iron Ore Mine for receiving five star from eastern region. While, Rungta Mines and SAIL were felicitated in four star category for Jajang and Kirburu iron ore mines and Hindalco for a bauxite mine.

(Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/)