The National Mineral Policy, 2019 proposes to give mining activity the status of "industry" in order to increase private sector mining financing. It emphasises the use of coastal waterways and inland shipping for mineral evacuation and transportation, as well as the creation of dedicated mineral corridors to facilitate mineral transportation. This article will explain to you about Conservation of Mineral Resources National Mineral Policy, 2019 which will be helpful in preparing Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Background

• The National Mineral Policy (NMP) 2008, which was announced in 2008, is replaced by the National Mineral Policy 2019.
• The Supreme Court gave the order to review NMP 2008 in its 2017 judgement, which prompted the review.
• In accordance with the Supreme Court's orders, the Ministry of Mines formed a committee on August 14, 2017, chaired by Dr. K Rajeswara Rao, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, to review NMP 2008.
• Members of the Committee came from the Ministry of Mines' subordinate offices, state governments, industry associations, and central ministries/departments.
• The Committee also invited interested NGOs and Institutional Bodies to participate in the Committee's deliberations.
• The Ministry of Mines accepted the committee's report and invited stakeholders' comments and suggestions.
• The Ministry of Mines finalised the National Mineral Policy 2019 based on the comments and suggestions received.

Major Objective

• The major objective of the National Mineral Policy 2019 is to create a more effective, meaningful and implementable policy.
• To promote greater transparency, better regulation, and enforcement.
• To have a balanced social and economic growth and environmentally sustainable mining practices.

Other Objectives

• Increase exploration activities by engaging the services of the private sector.
• Maximise the Indian economy's sectoral contribution
• Imports Reduction.
• Contribution to the Make in India initiative.

Benefits

• The New National Mineral Policy will ensure that regulations are more effective.
• It will lead to long-term mining sector development.
• Metals' reusable nature contributes to natural resource conservation while also providing other benefits in terms of energy conservation, environmental protection, and economic benefits.
• It ensures that project-affected people and areas benefit from inclusive and equitable development, guided by the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana ("PMKKKY").

Key Features

Regulation of Minerals

• Procedures for granting mineral concessions will be made more transparent in order to improve Ease of Doing Business.
• The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and state mining and geology directorates will be strengthened and upgraded.
• E-governance, satellite, and remote sensing applications are prioritised.

Role of States in Mineral Development

• The state's primary responsibilities in mining will be to facilitate and regulate exploration and mining activities, as well as to plan for infrastructure development and tax collection.
• States must develop a roadmap for the mineral sector's development.

Prospecting and Exploration

• Utilising cutting-edge technologies such as 2D/3D interpenetrative systems
• Exploration for energy-critical minerals, precious metals, strategic minerals, and other minerals for which the country is primarily reliant on imports will receive special attention.
• Increased collaboration between the Geological Survey of India and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to ensure maximum exploration and extraction in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Database of Mineral Resources and Tenements

• The resource inventory will be kept up to date in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
• Increasing automation through IT.
• Collaboration between universities and research institutes is becoming more common.

Mining and Mineral Development

• To meet the demands of the Make in India initiative, mining technology will be upgraded.
• Mining company mergers and acquisitions will be encouraged.

Conservation and Mineral Development

• The use of equipment and machinery that will improve the efficiency, productivity, and economics of mining operations, as well as the mineral beneficiation process, as well as the safety and health of those who work in mines/beneficiation plants and the surrounding areas, will be encouraged.
• Promotion of zero- waste mining.

Mining Machinery and Mineral Beneficiation Equipment

• Encourage the production of mining machinery and mineral beneficiation equipment.
• The availability of equipment and machinery that boosts productivity and protects people's health will be rewarded.

Human Resource Development

• Assuring that adequate manpower is available at all levels.
• Mechanisation, computerisation, automation, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology in existing and new mining units will be prioritised.

Infrastructure Development

• Mineral corridors dedicated to transporting minerals from mining areas will be developed.
• Coastal and inland waterways are both used.

Foreign Direct Investment

• Minerals have remained a significant source of foreign exchange earnings.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) measures will be taken to attract foreign capital into the mining sector.

Impact

• Mineral transportation via water channels is much more cost-effective and efficient than traditional methods.
• In addition, the development of inland waterways will result in the integration of 12 mineral-producing states.
• Dedicated Mineral Corridors will reduce transportation costs and pollution while also increasing export revenues.
• The majority of India's minerals are found in hilly regions or in tribal areas where development has not occurred, i.e. there is no proper physical or social infrastructure.
• Every district where minerals are extracted will benefit from the District Mineral Fund.
• The proper use of the 'District Mineral Fund' will not only aid in the improvement of basic amenities such as water, health care, and skills in a local area, but will also lead to long-term development.
• The new policy will aid in environmental preservation by educating people and providing them with the necessary skills.
• The private sector will be able to generate output from those reserved areas that the PSUs have yet to use.
• When the mining industry achieves industrial status, entrepreneurs will find it easier to obtain financing from banks and other financial institutions.
• Maintaining a database will assist entrepreneurs in identifying mineral-rich areas and allowing them to plan their activities accordingly.

Drawbacks

• Instead of focusing on how to make mining project clearances easier, the policy should have focused on how to make them stronger.
• While assessing project impacts, it should have placed a greater emphasis on synergizing to avoid a fragmented approach.
• The development of a single comprehensive impact assessment report that evaluates the impact of mining on the environment and forest habitat should have been guided.
• This would have aided in improving assessment prior to clearing projects, improving monitoring, and reducing the likelihood of contentious decisions.
• In most mining areas, pollution caused by mining activities is a major issue.
• This is due to unscientific and widespread mining (and related) activities, as well as poor pollution standards and monitoring, as well as ineffective mine management and mine closure practises.
• Pollution of the air, water, and soil has harmed people's health and livelihood in almost all of India's major mining districts.
• However, the Policy only offers little practical advice on how to improve this.
• In light of this, the new policy should have provided direction for defining standards and laying out mechanisms for pollution monitoring in mining areas under the applicable laws.
• This should have been suggested at the very least for minerals that are expected to be produced in large quantities and have a high risk of polluting the environment.

Way Forward

• The use of the 'District Mineral Fund' should be transparent.
• Mineral corridors require the cooperation of the Ministries of Shipping, Highways, and Railways.
• A separate task force on 'Mineral Corridors' will assist in identifying bottlenecks in mineral transportation.
• To prevent the import of minerals that can be mined in India, the government must subsidise mining costs.
• Dedicated mineral-related fast track courts will not only attract investments, but will also boost exports.
• Investment in R&D in the mining sector as part of the 'Make in India' initiative is required to reduce the cost of mining in India, thereby creating jobs and saving foreign exchange.

Conclusion

These policy proposals are expected to result in a 200 percent increase in MCDR (Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017) mineral production (in value terms) in 7 years, as well as a 50% reduction in the minerals sector's trade deficit in 7 years. The success of India's national mineral policy will be critical in propelling the country forward on a more ambitious development path. The successful implementation of this policy will be ensured by achieving national consensus among various key stakeholders, as well as their commitments to uphold the policy's underlying principles and objectives.

FAQs 

Question: What is the National Mineral Policy 2019?

Question: What are the key objectives of the National Mineral Policy 2019?

Question: How does the National Mineral Policy 2019 address environmental concerns?

Question: Why is the conservation of mineral resources important?

Question: What role does technology play in the conservation of mineral resources?

MCQs 

1. What is one of the primary goals of the National Mineral Policy 2019?

A) Increase exports of minerals without regard for environmental impact

B) Promote sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices

C) Prohibit private sector involvement in mining

D) Focus solely on extraction without exploration

2. Which of the following is a measure proposed by the National Mineral Policy 2019 to attract investment?

A) Eliminating all regulations

B) Enhancing transparency and efficiency in mineral allocation

C) Increasing taxes on mining companies

D) Banning private sector exploration

3. Why is the conservation of mineral resources crucial?

A) To increase short-term profits

B) To ensure resource availability for future generations and minimize environmental impact

C) To discourage mining activities

D) To reduce employment in the mining sector

4. Which technology can contribute to the conservation of mineral resources?

A) Automated mining and waste management systems

B) Manual labor-intensive processes

C) Excessive waste production

D) Prohibiting exploration

5. The National Mineral Policy 2019 emphasizes:

A) Unlimited exploitation of minerals

B) Zero-waste mining and sustainable resource use

C) Discouraging mineral exploration

D) Ignoring environmental concerns

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the key features of the National Mineral Policy 2019 and its role in sustainable mining.

Answer: The National Mineral Policy 2019 focuses on promoting sustainable mining practices, fostering mineral exploration, and balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Key features include a transparent and efficient auction-based system for mineral allocation, encouragement of private and foreign investment, adoption of modern technologies, and stringent environmental safeguards. The policy aims to reduce waste, rehabilitate mined areas, and promote zero-waste mining practices. By integrating technological advancements, the policy ensures efficient resource utilization, reduces environmental impact, and supports sustainable development in the mineral sector. Its emphasis on environmental management plans and restoration initiatives demonstrates India's commitment to responsible mining practices.

Q2: Analyze the importance of conserving mineral resources and the challenges associated with it.

Answer: Conserving mineral resources is crucial for sustainable development and ensuring resource availability for future generations. Conservation minimizes environmental degradation, optimizes resource utilization, and reduces waste. However, challenges include the depletion of high-grade minerals, increasing demand due to industrialization, environmental degradation from mining activities, and inadequate implementation of conservation policies. Addressing these challenges requires adopting efficient mining practices, recycling, technological advancements, regulatory measures, and community engagement. Conservation not only supports long-term resource security but also promotes economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Q3: Evaluate the role of technology in the conservation and sustainable use of mineral resources.

Answer: Technology plays a vital role in conserving and sustainably using mineral resources by enhancing extraction efficiency, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact. Advanced exploration techniques improve resource identification, while automation and digital monitoring optimize mining operations. Technologies such as waste management systems and mineral recovery processes increase resource utilization and reduce byproducts. Environmental management technologies help rehabilitate mined areas and reduce ecological damage. By integrating these innovations, the mining industry can achieve higher efficiency, ensure compliance with environmental standards, and promote sustainable resource use.

Previous Year Questions on Conservation of Mineral Resources and National Mineral Policy 2019

1. UPSC CSE - 2020

Question: "Discuss the measures adopted by the Indian government to promote sustainable mining practices under the National Mineral Policy 2019."

Answer: The Indian government introduced the National Mineral Policy 2019 to promote sustainable mining practices through various measures. The policy emphasizes a transparent and efficient auction-based mineral allocation system to attract investment while ensuring environmental protection. It incorporates stringent environmental safeguards, promotes zero-waste mining, and focuses on rehabilitating mined areas. Modern technologies for mineral exploration and resource utilization are encouraged to minimize waste and enhance efficiency. The policy also seeks to balance economic growth and resource conservation by involving local communities and fostering private sector investment. These measures collectively aim to create a sustainable and environmentally conscious mining sector.

2. UPSC CSE - 2019

Question: "Examine the challenges faced in the conservation of mineral resources and suggest measures to overcome them."

Answer: The conservation of mineral resources faces challenges such as resource depletion due to overexploitation, environmental degradation, inefficient mining practices, and limited technological adoption. Rapid industrialization and rising demand further strain mineral availability. To overcome these challenges, measures such as promoting efficient mining practices, recycling and reusing minerals, adopting advanced technologies for exploration and extraction, and enforcing stringent regulatory frameworks are essential. Encouraging zero-waste mining, rehabilitation of mined areas, and community engagement can ensure sustainable use. Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and local communities are critical for effective conservation and long-term resource security.