Question

The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 seeks to remove end-user restrictions on which of the following minerals? 
1. Aluminium 
2. Coal
3. Iron 
4. Copper 

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Coal

The correct answer is Coal.

• ​The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 2, 2020. 
• The Bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act). 
•  An Ordinance with similar provisions was promulgated on January 10, 2020.  
• It regulates the overall mining sector in India.
• This act provides for an allocation and auction of mines whose allocation was cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014.
• This bill removes the restriction on the use of coal mines which is only produced for specified end-uses such as power generation and steel production.
• Now, companies will be allowed to carry coal on coal mining operation for own consumption, sale for any other purposes.
• This bill also clarifies that the companies need not required any prior coal mining experience in India.
• This bill adds a new type of license called prospecting license-cum-mining lease, for prospecting and mining activities.