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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘Vidarbha may emerge as steel hub for Asia in coming decade'
Nagpur: Vidarbha may emerge as a steel hub not only for India but for the entire Asia in the coming decade, said PN Sharma, controller general of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). The IBM, headquartered in Nagpur, is the apex regulatory agency for the mining sector, with a mandate to approve mine plans and monitor the operations of mines, excluding those for coal and petroleum. Sharma was optimistic about the recent push for iron ore mining in Gadchiroli, which he said would eventually create an ecosystem conducive to the steel industry, attracting a variety of players. He was speaking at a seminar titled 'Indian Mining: Present Scenario and Future Perspective' on Friday. Speaking to TOI on the sidelines of the event, Sharma said that once the iron ore reserves in Gadchiroli are fully established, as much as 40% of the country's supply could come from the district. He also lauded the efforts of Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), which operates a 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity mine in Gadchiroli, for its bold initiative in taking up beneficiation of banded hematite quartzite (BHQ). "BHQ is the lowest grade of iron ore found in mines. With only 32% iron content, it was generally written off by mining companies as waste. However, LMEL has undertaken beneficiation, raising its iron realisation to 65%. Now, a host of other players are expected to follow suit," Sharma said. Pankaj Kulshrestha, chief controller of mines at IBM, also addressed the seminar and expressed concern over the slow pace of mine development in the country. "Out of 500 mine blocks auctioned across the country, only around 60 have become operational. The delay is due to multiple issues, including land acquisition. Exploration of additional reserves also remains a challenge. Proven deposits may eventually deplete, so sustained exploration is critical to maintaining future supply," he said. Kulshrestha also emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental sustainability. He noted that most of India's mineral reserves are located in dense forests of tribal areas, posing significant challenges for the industry. "Nonetheless, a fine balance must be maintained," he added.
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Business Standard
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Centre proposes global parity pricing for rock phosphate to spur output
Amid a shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), which is the second-largest consumed fertiliser in the country, the Union mines ministry has proposed linking the average sale price of domestically mined rock phosphate—a key ingredient in making DAP—with international rates to boost its production. The proposal has been incorporated as part of a draft notification to amend the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydrocarbon Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016. The amendment will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette. Trade industry sources said at present, India hardly produces any rock phosphate of grades suitable for the manufacture of good quality DAP, but if domestic miners are incentivised adequately, they might look for the same within the country. Presently, almost all the raw materials that go into making DAP—namely rock phosphate, phosphoric acid, and ammonia—are imported into the country from places like Jordan and Morocco. More than half of the country's annual DAP requirement, too, is imported in finished form. India annually consumes around 10–11 million tonnes of DAP, of which more than 50 per cent is imported. Recently, finished DAP prices have reached almost their record levels of $1,000 per tonne—currently around $800 per tonne—due to a squeeze in supplies from China and disruption in shipments from the Middle East owing to the Iran-Israel conflict. The high prices, coupled with low opening stocks, mean that farmers across the country are facing an acute shortage of DAP at present, leading to long queues outside the sale centres. Meanwhile, on the new formula, the draft notification said that the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) will use a three-part formula to determine the average sale price of rock phosphate. It will be calculated by multiplying the cost and freight (CFR) price of rock phosphate, as published by the Department of Fertilisers, with the monthly average exchange rate of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The result will then be adjusted with a grade-based conversion factor. The draft amendment categorises rock phosphate into four grades based on the percentage of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) content. The highest conversion factor of 0.85 applies to phosphate with more than 30 per cent P₂O₅, while the lowest factor of 0.22 is for material with P₂O₅ of 20 per cent or less. Globally, the imported price of rock phosphate has been trading at around $175–180 per tonne. Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia's Ma'aden, one of the world's leading manufacturers of DAP, signed a long-term agreement with three Indian fertiliser companies—Indian Potash Limited (IPL), KRIBHCO, and Chambal Fertilisers (CIL)—for the supply of 3.1 million metric tonnes of DAP annually for five years starting FY2025–26. The agreement also includes a provision for a five-year extension based on mutual consent. In 2022, Coromandel International Ltd, India's leading phosphatic fertiliser player, acquired a 45 per cent equity share in Baobab Mining and Chemicals Corporation (BMCC), a rock phosphate mining company based in Senegal.
Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores receives Seven Star Rated Mine award
From Ministry of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores (SMIORE) has been honoured with the distinguished Seven Star Rated Mine award in recognition of its outstanding efforts and best practices in green mining by the Ministry of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines, for its exemplary performance during the year 2023-24. The award ceremony took place at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, on 7 July 2025 as part of the national event to felicitate Five Star and Seven Star Rated Mines of India.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Rajasthan has minerals from iron to gold, let's create mining model balancing growth, sustainability: CM
Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma stated that Rajasthan is progressing rapidly in the mining sector through transparent processes, ease of doing business, and infrastructure development. He called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. 'Our goal is to establish Rajasthan as a leading hub in mining,' he said, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in the state. 'Minerals ranging from iron to gold are found here in abundance, and the state government is fully committed to extending all possible support.' Chief Minister Sharma and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy attended the felicitation ceremony of 7-star and 5-star rated mines, organised by the Indian Bureau of Mines at the Rajasthan International Centre on Monday. Sharma highlighted that the star rating system not only evaluates mining operations but also promotes environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Under this system, mining leases are assessed based on key parameters such as scientific mining practices, sustainable development, water management, afforestation, and social accountability,' he said. He congratulated the award-winning mine representatives and announced that a similar rating and evaluation system will be implemented in Rajasthan. The Chief Minister noted that Rajasthan is a 'museum of minerals' with 57 varieties of metallic and non-metallic minerals currently being extracted. The state contributes 12 per cent to the total value of mineral production in India. He added that Rajasthan has achieved a record in auctioning mining leases of major minerals. 'Out of 500 blocks allocated across the country, Rajasthan alone has allotted over 100 — more than 20 per cent,' he said. Additionally, 960 minor mineral plots and 137 quarry plots have also been successfully auctioned in the state. CM Sharma pointed out that during the previous administration, mining royalty revenue in 2023–24 stood at Rs 7,460 crore — a mere 3 per cent increase. 'Due to our proactive efforts, this rose to Rs 9,228 crore in 2024–25, a 24 per cent increase and a record figure,' he said. He reiterated the state government's zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, citing the launch of three special campaigns to curb unlawful activities in the sector. The Chief Minister said the government has introduced a new policy to promote M-Sand as an eco-friendly alternative to gravel. Entrepreneurs establishing M-Sand units are being incentivised under this initiative. He also mentioned the state's ambitious 'Mission Hariyalo Rajasthan', inspired by the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. 'We aim to plant 50 crore saplings during our tenure. Last year alone, over 7.5 crore saplings were planted, and 10 crore more are being planted this monsoon,' he added. Chief Minister Sharma emphasised that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has seen transformative development. 'Pro-poor welfare schemes have empowered the most marginalised. Terrorism and Naxalism have been decisively curbed,' he said. He described the Centre-State 'double engine government' as a force working tirelessly to ensure progress in every sector. 'Rajasthan, the largest state in the country, is now emerging as a land of immense opportunities. Investment avenues are abundant in education, industry, tourism, and more,' he said. In conclusion, the Chief Minister called for the creation of a mining model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. 'Let us ensure our mining practices not only fulfill present demands but also inspire future generations,' he urged. During the event, CM Sharma and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy felicitated the representatives of 7-star and 5-star rated mines.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt to honour top-performing mines for best sustainability practices
The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), under the Ministry of Mines, will felicitate the nation's top-performing mines at a national-level ceremony on Monday. The event, to be held at the Rajasthan International Centre, aims to recognise mines that have demonstrated exceptional adherence to sustainable and responsible mining practices under the 'Star Rating' scheme. Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy is set to be the chief guest, with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey attending as guests of honour. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines Sanjay Lohiya will also be present, an official statement confirmed on Sunday. The felicitation ceremony will honour three mines that have achieved the prestigious 7-star rating and 95 mines that have secured a 5-star rating for their performance during the 2023-24 financial year. The 'Star Rating of Mines' initiative, introduced in 2014-15, plays a crucial role in evaluating mining operations within a comprehensive Sustainable Development Framework. This scheme is designed to encourage responsible mining by actively promoting environmental protection, social welfare, and economic development in mining regions. The ultimate goal is to foster inclusive growth for both present and future generations. Officials have lauded the programme's success, noting its significant traction within the mining community. The initiative has fostered a healthy competitive spirit among operators, motivating them to adopt and implement best practices. The Ministry of Mines highlighted that this national recognition has led to tangible improvements in overall mine management, yielding benefits for both the industry and the local communities reliant on these operations.
