Environment Ministry creates separate category to fast-track mining clearances

The Environment Ministry, already under criticism for approving mining projects in forest areas, has now created a separate category on its portal to fast-track clearances for the mining of critical minerals.

Mining is classified as a non-forestry activity, and its impact on forests and wildlife is assessed before the ministry grants approval. Under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, mining in forest land requires prior approval from the Central Government.

“However, a separate category has been created in PARIVESH 2.0 for processing forest clearance proposals related to the mining of critical minerals, so that such proposals can be prioritised,” the ministry said in an office memorandum.

The ministry noted that critical and strategic minerals are essential for the growth of sectors such as telecommunications, transport, defence and high-tech electronics.

“They are also vital to achieving India’s net zero commitment by 2070. To fast-track environmental clearance process for these projects, the ministry hereby directs that all proposals for mining of critical and strategic minerals be considered on a priority basis by the Expert Appraisal Committees at both central and state levels, and that all clearances be issued expeditiously,” the memorandum added.

Cobalt, graphite, potash, selenium, titanium, tin, platinum, nickel, niobium, lithium, gallium, vanadium, tungsten, zirconium and phosphate are among 25 minerals whose clearances will be expedited.

The ministry has also waived the requirement for environmental clearance for linear projects involving the extraction of more than 20,000 cubic metres of earth. Such projects include slurry pipelines, oil and gas pipelines, highways and railway lines.