Mining – India
1. Jindal probe: LSP claims feather in its cap
2. NGO slams Cong over mining nod
3. 74 mines on forest department radar in Goa
4. India to tap Namibian uranium reserves
5. Canada urges India to unveil mining policy
6. SAIL chalks out Chiria strategy
7. India to invest in Namibia’s mining sector
8. Sponge iron industry threatening environment, lives
9. Orissa Govt. stressed on welfare before issuing notification for land acquisition in Posco site
Mining – International
10. Assmang Khumani iron ore mine to increase capacity
11. Pak to mine 60 tonnes of uranium per year
12. Union embarks on strike at BHP’s Hotazel manganese mines
13. More efforts urged to crack down on illegal coal mines in China
14. American interest in mining rights
Other News – India
15. ITDA plans to develop Paderu Organic Zone
16. Two missions on climate change ready for implementation, says Shyam Saran
17. Govt gives a push on climate change and conservation
18. Govt to consider fresh SEZ proposals on Sep 30
Mining – India
Jindal probe: LSP claims feather in its cap
Correspondent
VIZIANAGARAM: The Government’s announcement in the Assembly that a detailed inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the payment of compensation and other benefits under R & R policy to families displaced by Jindal Aluminium Refinery in S.Kota mandal was a feather in Lok Satta party’s relentless fight on the issue, said B.A. Babji, party president.
At a press conference on Friday, Mr. Babji said the five-member committee constituted by the party with retired government officials had pointed out that adanguls for five fasalis i.e. 1413 to 1417 with regard to acquisition of 866.68 acres of D-patta lands in Moola Boddavara, Kiltampalem, Cheedipalem, Chinakandepalli and Musidipalli villages were ‘fabricated’. The records for the D-patta lands contained neither official seal nor signed by any village revenue officer/revenue inspector/deputy tehsildar,” he said. Mr. Babji said 12 individuals, who were not residing in the said five villages, were paid Rs. 35.10 lakhs and some more had received compensation under benami names. A sum of about Rs.10 crores changed hands with the connivance of Revenue officials and political leaders, he alleged.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/29/stories/2009082953940300.htm
NGO slams Cong over mining nod
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Shillong, Aug. 28: A social organisation based in the uranium mining sites today criticised the 12 ministers of the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government for allowing the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to start the groundwork in West Khasi Hills.
Addressing a news conference the Langrin Youth Welfare Association’s president, B.S. Lyngdoh, and secretary Andreas S. Lyngdoh said the cabinet’s decision to allow pre-development projects was nothing but a green-signal to the UCIL to start mining.
They condemned the decision to give UCIL a free hand and demanded that all the 12 ministers in the MUA government should quit.
The cabinet on Monday approved the Rs 209-crore pre-development project to be undertaken by the UCIL at the mining sites.
Representatives of the Langrin Youth Welfare Association alleged that the ministers were on the UCIL’s payroll and they were now representing the voice of corporation and not that of the people.
Andreas Lyngdoh urged all the other NGOs in the state to extend full support to their cause and their decision to protect the rights of the people and fight against the government’s decision.
“Even if other NGOs are reluctant to come to our rescue, we will fight on our own and we will never allow the project to come through,” he said.
The secretary also sought the support of the people saying the organisation was against uranium mining, as it would cause health hazards to the people. He said the funds meant for the pre-development programmes in the uranium sites to construct schools, hospitals and drinking water facilities will be mainly used by the UCIL and not by the people of the area.
He added that the regional parties, including the UDP, HSPDP and KHNAM, which are part of the Congress-led government, had mentioned in their party manifestos that they were against uranium mining. Yet their stands, he said, appeared to be contradictory in view of the cabinet decision.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090829/jsp/northeast/story_11424101.jsp
74 mines on forest department radar in Goa
28 Aug 2009, 2009 hrs IST, IANS
PANAJI: After suspending the operation of 13 open cast mines because they lacked the requisite clearances, the Goa State Pollution Control Board
(GSPCB) has asked the forest department to seek more information on 74 other mines operational in the state.
In a letter addressed to the state chief conservator of forest, GSPCB Chairman Simon D'Souza has asked whether these 74 mines have obtained "required forest and wildlife permissions and clearances stipulated in the Forest Conservation Act".
Speaking to reporters here Friday, D'Souza said GSPCB would not hesitate to take action against the mines in question if they were found operating without permission.
"We are awaiting a response from the forest department before initiating further proceedings," he said.
Illegal mining has been the subject of debate in the state over the last few months and figured prominently during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly.
A high level committee appointed by Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat has already indicated that nearly half of the state's mines were operating without crucial permissions and sanctions required from various government departments.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly alleged that several cabinet ministers in the Congress-led alliance government were involved in illegal mining. Manohar Parrikar, leader of the opposition, has also alleged that nearly 18 percent of Goa's 33 million tonnes of iron, manganese and bauxite mining exports were fed by illegal mining.
There are presently more than 100 mining leases in the state.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Pollution/74-mines-on-forest-department-radar-in-Goa-/articleshow/4946019.cms
India to tap Namibian uranium reserves
Sandeep Dikshit
NEW DELHI: India and Namibia will sign an agreement on mineral resources during the five-day visit of Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba that starts on Sunday. Under the pact, India will be able to access the African country’s abundant uranium reserves.
Through this agreement, India will also be looking at Namibia’s healthy reserves of diamond, copper, gold and zinc. The cooperation over uranium will be covered under an umbrella framework for development of mineral resources and promote investments in geology and mines in both countries.
The agreement was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.
Nigeria is south African region’s biggest producer of uranium and the sixth largest in the world. India has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the civilian nuclear sector with Russia, France and the US. It is negotiating similar pacts with Kazakhstan and Canada.
The Namibian President will be accompanied by a 43-member delegation that includes five Ministers, senior officials, representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, businessmen and media. This is the first visit by a foreign head of state in the second term of the UPA government and is part of the country’s new outreach to Africa. Mr. Pohamba will call on President Pratbiha Patil and hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will call on him.
An official release said several agreements/MoUs for institutionalising bilateral cooperation are expected to be signed during the visit.
The delegation will pay working visits to Bangalore and Mumbai besides touring Agra. In Bangalore, the Namibians will visit the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Infosys and Tata B.P Solar Plant (Electronic City). In Mumbai, the delegation will visit the Tata showroom at Worli and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Namibia has consistently expressed its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. .
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/29/stories/2009082960541000.htm
Canada urges India to unveil mining policy
2009-08-29 14:25:00
NEW DELHI (Commodity Online): Canada is eyeing Indian mining sector for investments and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce wants India to unveil its new mining policy soon.
It has urged the Indian government to bring a new mining policy to attract foreign direct investment in the sector.
India must announce its new mining policy soon. The policy should be based on security of tenure, and ensures sustainable development, global reporting initiative and mining infrastructure development, it said.
Meanwhile, NYSE-listed Canadian industrial equipment auctioneer Ritchie Bros Auctioneers is investing $20 million for its India foray. Set up in 1958, the company currently operates in about 110 locations across 25 countries with 39 auction sites.
As part of its India plans, Ritchie Bros is looking to set up multiple auction sites with the first one coming up at Hyderabad. The company, through unreserved public auctions, sells a broad range of used and unused industrial assets including equipment, trucks and other assets used in construction, transportation, agriculture, material handling, mining, forestry, petroleum and marine industries.
Last year, the company reported revenues of about $3.5 billion with a profit of about $350 million.
The company’s first auction in India would be in Hyderabad on September 25, following which it would spread to five more locations — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.
Ritchie is planning to operate the Hyderabad auction centre on a temporary basis. However, once its revenues go up to $20 million, the company would look at setting up a permanent auction centre.
Indian used-equipment market is currently estimated at about Rs 2,500 crore. It is estimated that the asset purchases by the Indian construction, mining, shipping and transport industry would be about Rs 50,000 crore every year and a sizeable portion of it is expected to come up for auctions at the used equipment auction centres.
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/Canada-urges-India-to-unveil-mining-policy-20775-3-1.html
SAIL chalks out Chiria strategy
JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY
Growth mode
New Delhi, Aug. 28: Steel Authority of India Limited, fighting for about a decade to retain its tenuous control over Asia’s largest iron ore deposit at Chiria, has decided to go ahead with a two-phased, Rs 3,500-crore plan to produce more ore and set up a beneficiation plant in the Naxalite-infested area.
The plan envisages expanding mining from a mere 1 million tonnes (mt) per annum at Dhobil to 7 mt in two to three years by tapping new areas within Chiria such as Mclellan and Ajitaburu.
Subsequently, output will be raised to 15 mt by tapping the remaining leases such as Sukri in this forested zone.
The SAIL board has advertised for global consultants who will help it to develop the new mines and the iron ore beneficiation plant as well as a new township where a workforce numbering in thousands will be housed.
Sources said the total cost of the project would be about Rs 3,500 crore. The first phase, which involves taking mining operations to 7 mt per annum, will itself cost more than Rs 2,000 crore.
In this phase, SAIL will set up its first ore beneficiation plant.
Till now, it has only set up washeries at its mines, which do some minor beneficiation work.
With the Jharkhand government now in favour of letting SAIL continue its lease in Chiria, quick development of the area has become a necessity for the public sector steel behemoth.
SAIL needs ore for its Bokaro plant and subsidiary IISCO Steel Plant at Burnpur, Bengal. Moreover, it wants to prove to the Jharkhand government that it is serious about doing business in the state.
IISCO’s capacity is being ramped up to 24 lakh tonnes per annum from just 4 lakh tonnes; Bokaro’s to 65 lakh tonne per annum from 38 lakh. At a later date, SAIL plans to set up a plant at Manoharpur, which will also feed on Chiria’s ore.
SAIL is dependant on Chiria for its ore need in the next decade. The PSU needs 47mt of iron ore by 2012-13, and much more after that.
However, mines at nearby Kiriburu and Meghataburu will be able to give it a maximum of 12 mt of ore. Another neighbouring mine Gua could give at most another 10 mt.
The mines at Bolani, Barsua and Kalta — all in Orissa — can give another 10 mt, 4.5 mt and 2 mt, respectively.
After IISCO was merged with SAIL, Chiria’s ownership was transferred to the latter.
Jharkhand had tried to take back part of the mines from SAIL and give them to private steel firms such as ArcelorMittal and Essar Steel, only to be refused by an appelate tribunal.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090829/jsp/business/story_11424501.jsp
India to invest in Namibia’s mining sector
2009-08-28 16:05:00
NEW DELHI (Commodity Online): In a bid to tap the mineral and diamond potential of Namibia, India will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Namibia for investing in its lucrative mining sector.
The agreement will be signed during Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula’s official visit to New Delhi next week.
The Cabinet, at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday, approved the signing of the MoU.
The MoU will provide the umbrella framework for mutual cooperation in the field of mining and will encourage and promote mutual cooperation between the two countries in this sector.
Namibia has rich deposits of diamonds and other minerals.
Two months back, Indian diamond traders had managed to procure rough diamonds directly from Namibia, a feat till now unheard of for India’s diamond polishing units.
Diamond India (DIL), a consortium of 60 medium and large Indian diamond exporters, for the first time achieved the breakthrough by procuring rough diamonds directly from a miner in Namibia.
The consortium was formed two years ago with the support of Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Gems & Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
The deal is highly significant since no other company in the world, apart from De Beers’ DTC, has been able to procure rough diamonds directly from Namibia.
Earlier, DIL managed to procure rough diamonds from Alrosa of Russia. However, till recently, they were unable to strike a deal directly with African diamond miners, which typically trade in large volumes and only with financially robust clients.
The diamond procurement deal will lead to a 5-7-% saving in costs, which is significant for local diamond exporters who operate on margins as slim as 3%.
Traditionally, India’s exporters purchased rough diamonds from Antwerp, which procured them from diamond miners in Africa, Canada and Russia.
Indian rough diamond importers bid up prices in two diamond tenders recently floated by BHP Billiton, the Australian mining giant. As a result, the cut-off prices of these tenders were raised by a cumulative 20% in the past two months.
http://www.commodityonline.com/news/India-to-invest-in-Namibia’s-mining-sector-20762-3-1.html
Sponge iron industry threatening environment, lives
Sponge Iron (SI) is a growing industry in India. However, the process of extraction of sponge iron releases many effluents in the air and water, destroying the region's natural biodiversity and pushing the environment to the limit.
CJ: bighneswar sahu
Sat, Aug 29, 2009 12:10:42 IST
Views:
INDIA HAS been one of the hot spots for iron ore extraction and for the past three years has been the largest producer of Sponge Iron(SI) in the world - producing almost 12 MTPA in 2005 – 06. Sponge iron, also known as direct reduced iron, is extracted from iron ore and is used in the making of steel.
With the rising global demand for steel there has been unprecedented growth of thesponge iron industry in India. On one hand, steel majors like POSCO, Mittal and domestic majors like Tata, Jindal have already routed huge investments in sponge iron and steel industry. On the other hand, sponge iron units have emerged as small- scale industries requiring least investment. Thus, many illegal and unmonitored units have come up across the country.
The Central Eastern belt of the country endowed with rich-mineral resources, including the states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, are the key regions for the growth of this industry. The other states that are leading in production of sponge iron are Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa Gujarat and Maharashtra. In fact, Gujarat has emerged as the largest producer of Sponge Iron this year.
Since the year 2000, spontaneous as well as organised movements have come up in the aforesaid regions against these Sponge Iron plants. These are areas which, apart from being mineral rich, are also forest rich and inhabited mainly by tribals and forest dwelling communities dependent on the forest and agriculture for their survival.
To their agony, the sponge iron industries in forest vicinities have become threats to their life by polluting the atmosphere and putting the livelihood sources at stake. Air Pollution has been one of the most critical impacts of this industry, affecting health of the local population part from agricultural production and livestock, and wild as well as domestic biodiversity. The problem has worsened because these plants are medium and small-scale units and don't have any technical system to minimize carbon dioxide and other green house gas emission.
Forget about installing pollution control devices, sponge iron industries of India do not go by the standardised specifications meant for controlling environmental pollution. These industries always show the card of cost escalation, whenever they are asked to go by standard specifications. Instances of failure of the Pollution control boards to take up the issue have also risen consistently.
This issue has been taken up at different levels starting from grass root level communities to the policy making level through protests, rallies, advocacy meets, public interest writs etc. But, unfortunately, the result has not been satisfactory so far. Pollution control board at the state and centre must be strict and strong enough to see proper execution of the norms and policies made to minimize pollution. Other than the government agencies, Industrialists must act more responsibly to protect the environment instead of simply looking for profit.
http://www.merinews.com/article/sponge-iron-industry-threatening-environment-lives/15782702.shtml
Orissa Govt. stressed on welfare before issuing notification for land acquisition in Posco site
Friday, August 28, 2009
Report by Amarnath Parida; Jagatsinghpur: District administration stressed on welfare activities in proposed Posco affected villages to generate public support towards Posco steel project in which district administration has started discussion with Posco officials on Thursday after chairman cum managing director’s meet with chief minister of Orissa.
The MOU between Posco and the state government was signed on 22 June 2005. Nothing has moved on ground as far as the project is concerned as the anti Posco activists have united and strengthened their unity by uniting the villagers of Posco areas. Similarly, they have continued to debar district administration as well as Posco officials from entering the areas especially Dhinikia, Gobindpur villages since four years.
Posco officials has prompted to expedite project after the recent statement of union coal minister Mr BK.Handique regarding the shifting of this project from Paradip area. Just after CMD of Posco company Mr Doung-he-Lee meeting with chief minister Mr Naveen Pattanik, Posco officials have shown their interest to expedite Posco project activities as soon as possible to start project work in 2010. Posco officials interacted with district officials including district collector to expedite project work in proposed Posco affected villages.
During discussion, it is found that Posco Company has required 4004 acres of land for said project. Out of these lands, 437 acres are private land and rests are government land. Meanwhile, Posco Company has purchased 517 acres of government land at the cost of Rs 25.000 per acre while other companies like IFFCO; ESSAR has purchased same government land at the cost of Rs 1 to 3 lakh per acre. Earlier, notification 7 (1) has been completed by government level in these private 437 acres of land at seven villages Dhinkia, Gobindpur, Nuagaon, Bayanalkanda , Polang, Bhuiyanpal and Noliashai . Administrative charges and charges to wards award for 437 acres of private land with state government for which notification 9 has not been issued so administration has decided to implement this notification in this private land.
Posco Company has been awarded compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the land losers of Nuagaon and Noliasahi, Rs 1.43 lakh for Dhinkia & Gobindpur and Rs 1 lakh for the land losers of Bayanalkanda, Polang & Bhiyanpal. The land losers led by the United Action Committee for Posco project did not accept this compensation and gave memorandum to the district administration to give compensation of Rs 30 to 40 lakh per acre. After release of anti Posco leader Mr Abhya Shaoo the base of Posco Pratirodha Sangram Samiti has been strengthened and also burnt the letter of DGM of Posco project at Dhinkia for protesting Posco project.
Realizing this situation, district administration has given suggestion to implement welfare activities to generate public support for Posco project. Administration has suggested to introduce mid meal scheme, construction of school building, improvement health and education services and other welfare activities to develop creditability among the affected people. After implementation of these schemes, administration has decided to issue notification 9 in coming month for land acquisition of 437 acres in seven villages of proposed site of Posco project. District collector Mr Gyanranjan Dash presided over the meeting.
General Manger of Posco Company Mr Saroja Mohapatra, deputy general manger Mr S.N.Singh, district rehabilitation officer Mr Surjeet Dash, special land acquisition officer Mr Khiroda Swain and other Posco officials & revenue officials were present during the discussion.
http://orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=14122
Mining – International
Assmang Khumani iron ore mine to increase capacity
Saturday, 29 Aug 2009
South African mining company Assmang Limited that is developing Khumani Iron Ore Mine in the Northern Cape in the western part of the country announced August 12 completion of the Khumani 10 million tons per annum Iron Ore Mine on time and within budget and subsequent decision approved to make an additional ZAR 5.5 billion capital expenditure for completion of the Khumani 6 million tons per annum expansion project bringing total capacity to 16 million tons per annum.
Of the 6 million tonnes per annum capacity expansion, 4 million tonnes per annum is intended for the export market and 2 million tons per annum for the domestic market.
Assmang has received a commitment from Transnet to extend the current Iron Ore Export allocation on the Sishen/Saldanha export channel from 10 million tons per annum to 14 million tons per annum increasing Assmang's export capacity accordingly. This, Assmang says, dovetails with the Iron Ore channel expansion from 47 million tons per annum to 60 million tonnes per annum.
The Khumani Iron Ore Mine is being developed to replace the Company's Beeshoek Mine, with mine life estimated to be 30 years at a production rate of 16 million tons per annum.
http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/29/MTA5MjE2/Assmang_Khumani_iron_ore_mine_to_increase_capacity.html
Pak to mine 60 tonnes of uranium per year
Project to cost Rs 3.348b
Shah Hasan
Islamabad—In a major and strategic development Pakistan has embarked upon a vital initiative to mine uranium from Shanawa Uranium Mine, District Karak in NWFP to cater to Uranium needs of the future nuclear power plants.
This project is to cost Rs 3.348 billion and will be completed in 5 years by June 30, 2014,” a senior official at PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission) on condition of anonymity told Pakistan Observer.
He said that Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) has already accorded approval to this project of paramount importance.
The working paper of the project available with this scribe, PAEC will be able to get 60 tonnes of uranium per year after completion of this project. The annual recurring expenditure would stand at Rs 453.02 million while the annual income after completion of the project would stand at Rs 752.4 million.
The paper further says that PAEC has obtained the no objection certificate from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for launching the project.
In-Situ Leach (ISL) mining method, the official said, will be used to produce uranium using alkaline solution (lixiviant) with hydrogen Peroxide as an oxidant. ISL is a new mining technique, which has recently been developed and presently being exercised to mine out more than 20 percent uranium of the world.
The lixiviant while travelling from injection to production well will dissolve uranium and this pregnant uranium bearing solution (leach liquor) will be pumped out to the surface and fed to the chemical processing plant to recover uranium. “The production of uranium will start by July, 2010.” To a question the official said that the government has already allocated Rs 500 million in the public Sector development Programme 2009-10 for the said project.
At present the fuel mix in the power generation is dominated by fossil fuel (44.1 percent and 20.2 percent oil). The fossil fuel is depleting fast and its prices in the international market are also very vulnerable. Therefore, it is imperative to diversify the fuel mix in power generation.” The official said that under the Energy Security Action Plan, the government wants to increase the share of nuclear power from 1 percent to 4.2 percent by 2030. On a query regarding uranium exploration and its effects especially on the inhabitants of the area, sponsors stated that due to ISL mining, there is no hazard with respect of environment especially to the health of inhabitants of the area.
To a question the official said, the sponsors after extensive geo-scientific investigation have confirmed uranium reserves of 578 tons as Reasonable Assured Reserves (RAR and 2000 tones as Reasonable Assured Potential (RAP) category. The sponsors have estimated that the cost of the uranium production will be reduced from $198 per kg to $92 per kg.
http://pakobserver.net/200908/29/news/topstories03.asp
Union embarks on strike at BHP’s Hotazel manganese mines
JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Members of South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has started a protected wage strike at BHP Billiton subsidiary Samancor’s Hotazel manganese mines in the Northern Cape on Friday.
BHP spokesperson Bronwyn Wilkinson told Mining Weekly Online that after three months of wage negotiations, the NUM had now notified Hotazel management of its intention to embark on an industrial action.
A 48-hour notice was issued and the strike commenced on Friday. The NUM stated that it was demanding a 12,5% increase, while the BHP Billiton was currently offering a 7% wage increase.
“As a result of poor market conditions and a lack of demand for manganese ore, Hotazel has been forced to considerably reduce its production over the past few months. Although the company has embarked on comprehensive cost reduction initiatives, these have not been sufficient to fully mitigate the effects of the market downturn, and the company still faces cost inflation challenges. BHP Billiton believes the company’s above-inflation, but realistic wage increase offer of 7% is a responsible approach in such times,” Wilkinson said in an emailed statement.
She stated that BHP Billiton did not believe that the strike would impact on its ability to meet its customers’ requirements.
Hotazel employs about 899 permanent employees, 38 temporary employees and about 970 contractors.
Meanwhile, the strike by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) at the Samancor manganese metalloys operations, in the MidVaal, have been called off, as the union accepted the inital wage offer made by the diversified miner.
Numsa went on a one-day strike as wage negotiations reached a deadlock. The union is demanding an 8,8% increase, while the company is offering a 7% wage increase.
Wilkinson said that the day-and-a-half long strike had no impact on production at the operations.
http://www.miningweekly.com/article/union-embarks-on-strike-at-bhps-hotazel-manganese-mines-2009-08-28
More efforts urged to crack down on illegal coal mines in China
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-29 17:51:19 Print
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- There was a need to take more measures to crack down on illegal coal mines and those that heavily polluted the environment, said a guideline jointly issued by 14 Chinese government departments on Saturday.
The guideline, released on the website of the State Administration of Work Safety, says severe accidents frequently happened in illegal and small coal mines. It said the government needed to make greater efforts to ensure working safety in coal mines.
China's government should promote the healthy development of the coal industry by eliminating outmoded production methods, restructuring enterprises and improving the ability of coal mining management.
China is also to encourage and support mergers and acquisitions between domestic coal mine enterprises, in a bid to upgrade production capability and improve technology.
Since 2005, China has closed more than 12,000 small coal mines whose annual output was below 300,000 tonnes.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/29/content_11963373.htm
American interest in mining rights
J Matthew Fifield, has offered to prospect and extract Bhutan’s minerals
29 August, 2009 - Oil in the Bangtar area under Samdrupjongkhar dzongkhag, copper, gold and silver in the black mountain area of central Bhutan and tungsten in Sarpang are the potential minerals an American businessman J Matthew Fifield has offered to prospect for and, if found viable, then extract them.
He has also proposed that he be given mineral exploration rights for the whole of Bhutan, after which he would get a group of American investors to invest in Bhutan’s mining sector in a big way.
J Matthew Fifield is a managing director in an international mining company Clien and also sits on the boards of other international energy companies.
The department of geology and mines (DGM) under the ministry of economic affairs and Druk holdings investment (DHI) have so far expressed interest in the proposal and are in the process of studying it.
“J Matthew Fifield approached us through DHI around five months ago, saying that he was interested in the mineral exploration and extraction and so we provided him with all past mineral exploration reports and geological data on Bhutan,” said DGM’s chief geologist and acting director general.
After going through the data, Fifield contacted DGM and DHI a month later in July, expressing interest.
DHI CEO Karma Yonten said, “ We’re very interested in exploring and developing the country’s mineral resources in partnership with foreign companies because DGM, DHI and the government overall doesn’t have the resources and technical capacity to do so.”
“What’s crucial now what the updated Mines and Mineral Management Act says on such ventures, after which we can then negotiate and discuss with the company on the details,” he added.
“We’re studying the international best practice and benchmarks on these kinds of projects because we want to avoid examples of countries in Africa, where their minerals have been exploited by big multi national companies,” said DHI senior analyst Kinzang.
Sources say that DHI is more interested in offering sections of areas for minerals development, instead of rights to the whole country.
The last time mineral exploration was done in Bhutan was from the early 1970’s up to the 1990’s by the geological survey of India. However, this only covered 33 percent of the country and was not done in great detail.
“The GSI and DGM study in Bangtar during the 90’s show potential for oil since all the elements and geographical features are present like organic source rock for potential oil, sandstone to trap the oil naturally and cap rock on top to seal the oil in, “ said Ugyen Wangdi.
He said that, before drilling could start to check for oil in them, it had to be abandoned like many other mineral exploration projects in the south due to the deterioration of the security situation.
The GSI had also done studies at the foot of the black mountain area and found small deposits of copper, along with traces of gold and silver.
“However, the search never really made it to black mountains due to GSI running short of budget from high exploration costs and difficulty in accessing the area, ” said Ugyen Wangdi.
However GSI and DGM came across confirmed reserves of more than half a million tonnes of tungsten in Burkhola and Dhopnai under Sarpang dzongkhag.
“The market value of the total deposit today is around Nu 50-60 billion,” said Ugyen Wangdi. He said, however, that the cost of exploration and extraction was very high and risky and required a very high level of technology not available in the region.
If an agreement is reached, then the exploring company is given the mining rights and the government gets mining shares and royalty. “Under responsible social mining, shares are also given to the local people,” said Ugyen Wangda.
The draft FDI and draft economic development policy allows and encourages mineral exploration.
By Tenzing Lamsang
http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13304
Other News – India
ITDA plans to develop Paderu Organic Zone
VKL Gayatri
First Published : 28 Aug 2009 03:38:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 28 Aug 2009 12:51:33 PM IST
VISAKHAPATNAM: To impart an exclusive brand name to all the produce of the Visakhapatnam Agency area, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Paderu is planning to launch a project `Paderu Organic Zone (POZ)’.
To make all the tribals farmers in future, the ITDA, Paderu is actively working on the POZ. After the implementation of the project, the entire Agency area covering 11 mandals in the district will grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, paddy and also commercial crops like turmeric and coffee with organic fertilisers only.
Sensing the big market demand and the importance of the quality of products, the ITDA is planning to utilise all its resources in the Agency for the highest yielding using organic farming methods.
The entire planning is being divided into phases. In the first phase the produce will be marketed in the district and nearby areas and in the second phase a platform for export of the organic produce will be set up.
As part of several developmental projects on the coast line, particularly between Tuni in East Godavari district and Itchapuram in Srikakulam district, the government has acquired and is planning to acquire huge extent of farming lands. According to the available statistics, over 2.38 lakh acres of vegetation and farming lands have already been acquired for various developmental activity like industries, economic zones and other big establishments between Tuni and Itchapuram.
There is a big demand for vegetables in the market.
Whatever vegetables available are being purchased in bulk by the big clients like hotels, restaurants, hostels and corporate retail market chains. As water resources are also being dried up there is a big demand for vegetables, flowery vegetables and other commercial crops.
Understanding the market needs and demand, the ITDA hass swung into action to produce an organic produce from its forest lands. The tribals do not use much pesticide or urea for their crops in the Agency. But, due to the severe problem from the insects and worms, they are forced to,’’ he said. The cost of vegetables and fruits grown in the plain areas is less and the produce is more hygienic. Organic farming eliminates harmful chemicals from the diet while organic food gives more strength.
ITDA, after launching the POZ, can also go for a brand name for all its produce, the project officer said.
The ITDA is also working on other aspects such as availability of organic fertilisers, adoption of latest methods, marketing technique, employment to the tribal youth, etc. ``Already, there are departments like education, medical, housing and water supply to take care of tribal welfare. Now, ITDA is keen to make the tribal community self-reliant and financially- empowered,’’ Anand Mohan added.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=ITDA+plans+to+develop+Pad+eru+Organic+Zone&artid=6UcY0q4yplk=&SectionID=e7uPP4|pSiw=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EH8HilNJ2uYAot5nzqumeA==&SEO=
Two missions on climate change ready for implementation, says Shyam Saran
Staff Reporter
KOLKATA: Two of the eight missions in the National Action Plan on Climate Change were ready for implementation through the cabinet-level decisions regulatory mechanisms and even through legislation if necessary, said Shyam Saran, the special envoy of the Prime Minister on climate change, here on Friday.
The National Solar Mission and the National Mission for Enhanced Energy have already been through by discussions and evaluation by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate change, Mr. Saran said at the Environment and Energy Conclave 2009 hosted by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“The Prime Minister has said that the National Solar Mission will be in operation by November 14,” Mr. Saran said.
Experts were considering the possibility of producing solar power with a threshold capacity of 20,000 MW, which could result in grid parity by 2020 and parity in pricing with coal-generated power in 2030, he said.
Grid parity was the point at which electricity from renewable sources is equal to or cheaper than grid power. Reiterating India’s stand that no legally binding restrictions on emissions would be acceptable, Mr. Saran also outlined the expectations of India and other developing countries from the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen (COP15) in December this year.
“We are not negotiating a new Climate Change treaty at Copenhagen,” said Mr. Saran, adding that the measures deliberated at previous international summits had not been implemented by developed countries.
“Under the National Action Plan India has a certain vision, but if developing countries have to take mitigation actions beyond their resources, they must be aided by developed countries with technology transfers and financial resources,” he said.
On the question of climate change, the impact of accumulated emissions must be considered, which was the position of all developing nations and stated in the UNFCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), he said.
“The Prime Minister has already made a commitment that at no point in time will India’s per capita emission be higher than those of the developed countries,” he said.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/29/stories/2009082960611100.htm
Govt gives a push on climate change and conservation
29 Aug 2009, 1042 hrs IST, TNN
NEW DELHI: The first strides have been in the right direction. The environment and forests ministry has been given a much-needed push on both
climate change and conservation. Under Jairam Ramesh, the ministry has said it will not adopt an obstructionist stand but seems prepared to look for cooperation from the states.
The ministry has its oops moments too — when it swiftly backtracked on the Bellary mines where it had treaded on the toes of Andhra Pradesh’s powerful Reddy lobby — but has done its bit otherwise. The ministry has been able to push through the Cabinet the MoU format to be signed with tiger sanctuaries, something that was pending for months.
Ramesh has done some plain speaking on the tiger project, warning of a severe depletion in population if correctives were not taken. He has also said despite years of effort and thousands of crores, river-cleaning projects like the one relating to Ganga have failed. The river is looking no cleaner than it did years ago. The ministry has tried to do some plain speaking on climate change with regard to India’s position on emission caps, particularly in trying to counter the impression that it has altered its position on emission caps.
The initiatives that the ministry has launched include CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) where a $2.5 billion conservation programme for existing forests and wildlife habitats was locked up with the Supreme Court. Here again, states are asking for their share outright and not in installments.
Cabinet has approved Rs 369 crore for human resource development programme for training forest personnel, Rs 600 for management of forest areas, inclusion of forestry in NREGA. Pilot projects to test these schemes are being implemented. Another Rs 500 crore scheme has been approved for restoration and regeneration of forest cover.
On other fronts, energy efficiency ratings have been made mandatory for refrigerators, ACs, tubelights and transformers from January 7, 2010.
In his meeting with Hillary Clinton, Ramesh made it clear that India would not bow to pressure from Annex-I (western) countries on accepting caps on emissions.
This came just after the controversy over PM Manmohan Singh signing on a statement that speaks of all nations accepting to join efforts to cap rise in global temperatures to 2 degree from pre-industrial levels.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Politics/Nation/Govt-gives-a-push-on-climate-change-and-conservation/articleshow/4947575.cms
Govt to consider fresh SEZ proposals on Sep 30
Press Trust of India / New Delhi August 28, 2009, 15:38 IST
The Board of Approval, the apex body which clears Special Economic Zone projects, will meet next month to approve fresh proposals.
"The Board of Approval chaired by Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar will take up fresh proposals for setting up SEZs on September 30," a senior Commerce Ministry official said.
Senior officials from different ministries, including Finance, Home Affairs and Defence, would be attending the meeting, the official said.
The last BOA held on August 11 had allowed Maytas Ventures, promoted by the disgraced former Satyam Chairman B Ramalinga Raju's son, to surrender its biotech SEZ and approved three new proposals, including that of Brooke Bond Real Estates IT/ITES tax-free enclave in Karnataka.
Exports worth Rs 99,689 crore were made from SEZs during 2008-09, a growth of about 50 per cent over the previous year. Exports in the first quarter of this fiscal was about Rs 39,411 crore.
The government expects the exports to touch Rs 1,10,000 crore in the current fiscal.
So far, 577 formal approvals have been given for setting up SEZs, of which about 325 have been notified.
The tax-free enclaves have attracted foreign direct investment of over Rs 10,900 crore in the last three years.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-to-consider-fresh-sez-proposalssep-30/72065/on
No comments:
Post a Comment