Pvt entry into beach sand, lithium mining on cards

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New Delhi, August 1

The government has opened consultations on the entry of private players in the hitherto restricted field of atomic minerals, including beach sand.

Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi admitted in Parliament today that discussions on the issue had commenced.

The Ministry of Mines has invited comments of stakeholders – Central Government ministries, states governments and UTs, mining industry, industry associations, the public and other entities concerned on the proposal to remove certain atomic minerals, including beach sand minerals in Part B of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation & Development) (MMDR) Act, 1957, Joshi said in answer to a written question by YSRCP member Vijaysai Reddy.

Reddy had asked if the government was proposing to allow private players to participate in beach sand mineral mining.

Part B of the Act’s First Schedule restricts mining of major atomic minerals.

The government may move amendments to the law in the ongoing monsoon session to permit the private sector to mine some atomic minerals, including lithium.