Context: Recently, the Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 [MCDR].
Key Points

• The MCDR has been framed under section 18 of the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957.
• Aim: To provide rules regarding conservation of minerals, systematic and scientific mining, development of the mineral in the country, and for the protection of the environment.

The amendments in the Rules are as follows

• Rules prescribed that all plans and sections related to mine shall be prepared by combination of Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS) as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
• New Rule inserted to provide for submission of digital images of mining area by lessees and Letter of Intent holders.
• Requirement of submitting satellite images obtained from CARTOSAT-2 satellite LISS-IV sensor on the scale of the cadastral map.
• CARTOSAT-2 satellite: is an Earth observation satellite in Sun-synchronous orbit satellites. The satellite was built, launched, and maintained by the Indian Space Research Organisation
• Power of taking action against incomplete or wrong or false information in monthly or annual returns given to IBM, in addition to State Govt.
• Allowed engagement of a part-time mining engineer or a part-time geologist for category 'A' mines having leased area below 25 hectares.
• To increase employment opportunity, a diploma in mining and mine surveying is granted by the duly recognized institute in qualification for full-time Mining Engineer.
• Penalty provisions in the rules have been rationalized.
• Provision of forfeiture of financial assurance or performance security of the leaseholder added in case of non-submission of final mine closure plan within the period specified.
• Amount of financial assurance increased to five lakh rupees for Category ‘A’ mines and three lakh rupees for Category ‘B’ mines from existing three and two lakh rupees