 "CECC meet to deliberate on auctions, Offshore mineral rules")
Regarding e-auctions of mineral blocks, discussion will be held threadbare on block-wise status and the preparedness for mineral auction by the state government in 2016-17, 2017-18 and beyond.
The meet would take stock of the progress in setting up DMF by the states-promulgation of DMF rules and constitution of DMF at district level had to be done in line with the directions issued by the central government under Section 20 A in regard to the PMKKKY (Prandhan Mantri Khanij Kalyan Yojna) Scheme.
The opening of DMF bank accounts, the status of collection of the money accrued in the DMF funds by the state government and its utilization would also be discussed.
The status of collection and transfer of the money accrued in the NMET funds under Section 9 C of the amended MMDR Act by the state governments also figure in the agenda for talks. The state governments were asked to identify exploration proposals, which may be taken up under NMET.
The mines ministry has prepared the draft of the Offshore Area Mineral Concession Rules, 2016. After a detailed presentation of the salient features of the revised rules, discussions would be held with the states.
Besides this, the ministry would also make a presentation on the key features of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2016.
Additionally, the meeting would focus on the state of closed and abandoned mines and status of rehabilitation/restoration of ecology and environment. An action plan is to be prepared by the states for rehabilitation of these mines in the shortest possible timeframe.