Sustainable Mining - The Legal Chamber

The Supreme Court, while accepting a committee's operational definition of the Aravali Hills and Ranges for mining regulation, directed the preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining. This plan must identify conservation zones and permissible mining areas based on ecological carrying capacity. The Court ordered that no new mining leases be granted until this scientific study is finalized, balancing environmental protection with regulated mining activities. Facts Of The Case: The case originated from issues raised in the long-standing writ petition, T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India, concerning the conservation of forests. A specific question arose before the Supreme Court in January 2024 regarding whether certain mining activities in Rajasthan fell within the leg...

The Supreme Court dismissed appeals challenging demand notices for depositing 10% of the total bid amount with the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). The Court held that Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is inapplicable to minor minerals due to Section 14. The State Government is empowered under Section 15A to fix the amount payable to the DMF for minor minerals. The Court found the demand consistent with statutory provisions and the 2017 Rules Facts Of The Case: Chandra Bhan Singh, a successful bidder for mining minor minerals (sand), was allotted a tender. In line with the Policy decision dated April 22, 2017, the Appellant was required to deposit an amount of ₹54,12,960/-, representing 10% of the total bid amount of ₹5,41,29,600/-, to the Dis...

Tag: Sustainable Mining

Supreme Court Approves New Definition of Aravali Range, Bans New Mining Pending Study

Sand Mining Case: Supreme Court Explains State’s Power to Fix DMF Charges for Minor Minerals