New notification asks mine owners to complete general exploration

the goan I network
PANAJI
The central government’s Ministry of Mines has amended the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 now seeking that mining leases which are to expire on March 31, 2020, carry out general exploration over the entire mineralised area under the mining lease before April 1, 2019 and submit to State Government and the Indian Bureau of Mines.  
The central government through the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2015, had mandated that all mining leases granted before 2015, where the mineral is used for other than captive purpose, shall be extended and be deemed to have been extended up to a period ending on the 31st March 2020.  
Around 140 mining leases in Goa fall under this category.  
“The holders of such mining lease shall carry out general exploration over the entire mineralised area under the mining lease before April 1, 2019 and submit to the state government and the Indian Bureau of Mines, a modified mining plan in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016 for completion of general exploration over the entire mineralised area under the mining lease in such manner that the plan for exploration is completed before April 1, 2019,” the modified rules state. Such a plan shall be approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines within 30 days of its submission, with or without any modification.  
“The leaseholders will also have to prepare and submit to the state government and the Indian Bureau of Mines, a geological study report within one month after completion of exploration work,” the order also reads.  
The notification does not specify reasons for the change in rules and what objectives they seek to achieve.