National Mineral Policy 2006 - Department of Mines

Initially the Committee felt that in order to provide a level playing field to all partiesinterested in exploration activities and with a view to providing greater access to areas forexploration, the provision relating to reservation of areas for prospecting and mining by theCentral or State Governments or by the companies owned and controlled by them needs to beremoved. However, as the State Governments were not in agreement with the view, theCommittee has recommended that the matter may be kept in abeyance till a detailed study ofthe areas reserved for PSUs/Government undertakings has been undertaken.(viii) Single Window for clearancesA major concern in the mining sector has been the undue and protracted delays which takeplace not only before grant of mineral concession but also in post-grant clearances pertainingto various Ministries of the Central Govt. In view of the fact that the mineral concessions aregranted by the concerned State Governments who are the owners of the minerals locatedwithin the boundary of the State, the Committee has recommended a single window systemor committee approach at the State Govt. level. In cases where Central Govt. provides priorapproval and expediting post-grant clearances required from various Central Ministries aftergrant of mineral concessions, the Committee has recommended Single Window/Committeeapproval at the Central level.237