Cement, Energy & Environment

b. The National Mineral Policy, 2008, enunciates that in case mining operations involve acquisition of land held by individuals, including tribals and weaker sections, a social impact assessment will be undertaken to ensure that suitable Relief and Rehabilitation packages are evolved. It states that a Sustainable Development Framework shall be prepared for the mining sector, and would include appropriate models for participation of the local population as stakeholders. The policy also provides that a mechanism will be evolved to improve the living standards of the affected population and ensure for them a sustainable income above the poverty line. b. & c. Some Media reports on protests against mining companies have come to the notice of the Central Government. Since law and order being State subject, details on such protests are not centrally maintained. d. & e. In terms of the National Mineral Policy, 2008, the Government has approved a draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011 . The draft Bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 1 ih December 2011. The draft Bill provides that: i. suitable compensation for all exploration activities to be payable to the person or family holding occupation or usufruct or traditional rights on the area of exploration. ii. all Mining Lease holders, including public sector undertakings and private sector companies to pay annually into a District Mineral Foundation (DMF) set up at District level. The amount in DMF shall be used to make recurring payments to people affected by mining related operations, and for local developmental activities. iii. all mining companies to allot atleast one share at par to each person of the family affected by mining, so as to give a sense of ownership in the enterprise. iv. all mining companies to provide employment or other compensation as stipulated under Rehabilitation & Resettlement policy. v. The mining lease will comprise progressive mine closure plan and final mine closure which will be available for inspection in the office of Panchayats . After mining is complete, Mining companies shall be required to pay for damages, if any, to affected persons as part of the mine closure and restoration process. 38 I