BHUBANESWAR | Dec 18, 2017: The impact of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 on the mining sector was discussed at a workshop organised by the Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT) here on Sunday.

Issues related to the mining sector in the post-amendment regime including mineral exploration, national mineral exploration policy, auction of mineral blocks, composite licencing, district mineral foundation, sustainable mining initiative and sustainable development framework, star rating of mines, skill development in the mining sector and taxation regime were deliberated in the day-long seminar.

Expiry of non-captive leases on March 31, 2020 and multiplicity of legislative provisions governing mineral exploration, statutory clearances and mining were also discussed.

As many as 11 papers were presented in the technical session. The recommendations of the workshop will be presented to the State Government.

Deepak Mohanty, Director, Mines was the chief guest while former chairman-cum-managing director of Nalco SK Tamotia was the guest of honour. Omkar Mohanty, vice-president of the SGAT presided over the workshop while BK Mohanty, advisor to the society gave the welcome address. General secretary of the society Sujit Kumar Mohanty proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)