Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: The Union Mines ministry has sought feedback from mineral-bearing States on its proposed ‘Star Rating’ system for mining leases.
This was informed by State Mines director Deepak Mohanty after attending a high level meeting of state mines officials in New Delhi.
Officials said the new system has been designed to promote sustainable development practices in and around the mines, which includes addressing the social impact of resettlement and rehabilitation, among other things.
“A Star Rating is proposed to be given to mining leases for the efforts and initiatives taken for implementation of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF),” an official of the ministry said.
The evaluation would be based on management of the impact of mining by carrying out scientific and efficient mining, steps taken for progressive and final mine enclosure and overall reporting and adoption of international standards.
Mining leases, which have been operational for more than 180 days in the year of reporting, would be eligible for Star Rating. The leases would be rated in their category and the best performing leases would be given five stars, the sources added.
A provisional 'Star Rating' will be awarded to the mining lease after due submission of their practices based on SDF and the confirmation of rating would be given upon the due inspection by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).