Cement, Energy and Environment

POLICY ON PROFIT SHARING IN MINING SOON KOLKATA: 11 OCT: The policy to share 26 per cent of net profit from mining projects with the displaced tribals and other affected land losers will be finalized within a month, said coal Minister Mr. Sriprakash Jaiswal here on 11-10-2010. While addressing a seminar on 'Indian Coal Sector: Issues and Prospects' organized by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Jaiswal said a draft mining policy has been prepared that will be finalized and placed before the Cabinet for approval. As per the proposal 26 per cent of profit or 10 per cent of the royalty, which ever is higher, is to be given to those displaced on account of mining projects. The minister said steps have to be taken to counter Maoist and Naxalite movements and providing solution to the displaced landlosers is a way. While speaking on the occasion, he said land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlements are major challenges during the implementation of coal mining projects. It should be the endeavour of coal industries to share profit with the community, he added. Taking a dig at the state government, Mr. Jaiswal said West Bengal and Jharkhand are two states that have failed to prevent illegal mining. The problem of illegal mining has been tackled in Maharastra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Even the Orissa government has handled the problem well and such activities have been reduced significantly. "It is the state government's responsibility to set up necessary infrastructure to check such activities," said Mr. Jaiswal. He urged the state government to strengthen its machinery to counter such problems. Mr. Jaiswal further said that the pace of coal production is very slow. The coal sector has witnessed a growth of five per cent in the last three decades while a seven per cent growth is needed to meet the demand. Courtesy: The Statesman, October 12, 2010. IN TWO-TIER CHECKS, GOVERNMENT PLANS STATE REGULATOR FOR MINOP MINERALS The government proposes to form a state mining regulatory authority to cover minor minerals that are used in the small scale sector, as part of its efforts to curb illegal mining. The state body can function along with the National Mineral Regulatory Authority that the government has also proposed while drafting the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill 2010. This will create a two-tier regulatory mechanism to cover the entire mining industry. Growth of the mining industry, due to a surge in demand from user sectors such as metal companies, has led to rise in illegal mining and flouting of environmental norms. The government is tightening existing rules by suggesting new provisions in the Bill , which will have to be ratified by other political parties. Courtesy: TERI (The Energy Resources Institute) Newswire, 1-15 October 2010, P3 I SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ACC LAUNCHES ECO– FRIENDLY CEMENT ACC Ltd has launched an eco-friendly cement that offers protection against coastal climate. Branded "Coastal + ," the cement is ideal for usage in foundations, roofing and all other sections being exposed to external environment, according to Mr. Ramit Budhraja, Chief Executive, South West, ACC Ltd. I • Launching the product here on 7.10. 2010, he said that the chlorides and sulphates in sea breeze and ground water attack concrete buildings and houses in coastal areas leading to a gradual weakening of the structures and reducing their life. The concrete structures using Coastal has lower permeability resulting in higher protection from chloride and sulphate attacks and making them more durable. Mr. Budhraja said ACC would offer on-site tests like Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test (UPVT) to ensure the durability of the concrete surfaces using the cement. Courtesy: The Hindu Business Line Kozhikode, 08.10.2010. 86 ---- -