The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation Act,
1957, ('MMDR') and the Mines Act, 1952, together with the rules and regulations
framed under them, constitute the basic laws governing the mining sector in India.
The relevant rules in force under the MMDR Act, are the
Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules,
1988. The health and safety of the workers is governed by the Mines Rules, 1955
created under the jurisdiction of the Mines Act, 1952.
The Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 outline the procedures
and conditions for obtaining a Prospecting License or Mining Lease. The Mineral
Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 lays down guidelines for ensuring mining
on a scientific basis, while at the same time, conserving the environment. The provisions
of Mineral Concession Rules and Mineral Conservation and Development Rules are,
however, not applicable to coal, atomic minerals and minor minerals. The minor minerals
are separately notified and come under the purview of the State Governments. The
State Government has for this purpose formulated the Madhya Pradesh Minor Mineral
Rules, 1996, Madhya Pradesh Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation
and Storage) Rules,2006, The Madhya Pradesh Gramin Avsanrachna Tatha Sadak
Vikas Adhiniyam, 2005, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Avsanrachna Tatha Sadak Vikas
Niyam, 2005.
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