From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Mar 12: Mines and geology minister Murugesh Nirani promised to introduce an online system to grant mining licences soon.
Addressing the media representatives in Dharwad after a review meeting department officials on Friday, he said the introduction of the offline and online system would enable the grant of mining licences within 30 days.
The draft policy for grant of the online mining licences is ready, he said pointing out that in future both online and offline systems for grant of mining licences will be in force in order to remove the difficulties.
The minister said the state government was fully aware of the problems due to the import of ore from other countries and was keen to promote the use of local resources to the extent possible.
"We have already discussed the issue with major industrialists such as Jindal, Baldota, Kirloskar and other companies and wish to reduce the import of ore from other countries as it would mean a drain on foreign exchange,’’ he said pointing out that the subject has been taken up with chief minister B S Yediyurappa.
The chief minister is in concurrence with the idea of promoting the use of local resources and reducing the import of ore in the national interest, the minister said and added that a comprehensive policy would soon be framed on the issue.
Answering questions, he said the state government was aware of the frequent blasts due to unused stockpiles of explosives with mining companies and quarry owners especially after the recent incidents in Shivamogga and Chikkaballapur districts.
The state government is keen to prevent unauthorised use of explosives causing blasts and serious damages including loss of lives and a policy in this direction has already been taken. The officials have been asked to monitor the issue and prevent any unauthorized use of explosives, he said.
Nirani is a school of mining to impart knowledge on mining activities and operations that would be started in the state soon, which would also help mining staff and officials.
The minister said the state government has collected royalty of Rs 12,000 crore from Ballari, Tumakuru and Chitradurga districts and with interest, the amount would be around Rs 18,000 crore. The state government has prepared an action plan for taking complete reforms in the mining sector, he said.
Dharwad deputy commissioner Nitin Patil, superintendent of police, Krishna Kanth and other senior officials of the mining, forests and environment departments were present.