States sluggish in preparing action plans for lapsing mine leases

The data colleted by the Union mines ministry shows 288 leases are due to lapse by March 31, 2020

States seem to be in no hurry to prepare action plans for the auction of mineral blocks whose lease will expire in 2020. This is despite a letter by the Centre exhorting states to start the auction of such mineral leases by July 1, 2019, to give prospective miners ample time to make the mines functional.

“Though the leases expire on March 31, 2020, it would be appropriate for the states to start auctions of the mines by July 1, 2019. This will give the successful bidders the time to mobilise as well as time to obtain various clearances before commencing