Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Mines addressed the adoption of technology and sustainable practices in the mining sector. It highlights the implementation of drone surveys, AI-based mineral assessments, and IoT-based monitoring. The response outlines reforms in mining license regulations, the status of digital mining dashboards, and mandatory measures for environmental protection and safety. The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) 2017, along with other guidelines, are central to these initiatives.
Key Points / Main Content:
Technology Adoption and Monitoring:
* Digital aerial images from drones are used for monitoring mining activities, facilitated by the Drone Data Management System (DDMS), with 3,852 images submitted in the last three years.
* Regulatory provisions in the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 (MCDR, 2017) support technology application in mining.
Sustainable Mining Practices:
* Chapter V of MCDR, 2017, includes rules for precautions against air pollution, prevention of toxic liquid discharge, noise control, and surface subsidence control.
* Rule 35 of MCDR, 2017, provides for star rating of mining leases based on adopted sustainable mining practices.
* Groundwater monitoring and recycled water usage are parameters in the star rating evaluation.
Environmental Protection and Water Recycling:
* Environmental Clearance is mandatory before executing a mining lease, with compliance required under relevant Acts and Rules.
* No Objection Certificate is required for groundwater extraction, subject to Ministry of Jal Shakti guidelines.
Mine Closure Plans:
* Lease holders must prepare Progressive Mine Closure Plans (PMCP) and Final Mine Closure Plans (FMCP) under MCDR, 2017.
* Yearly reports on protective and rehabilitative works are required; failure leads to forfeiture of financial assurance by the State Government.
Digital Mining and Reporting:
* The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) developed the Mining Tenement System (MTS) portal to streamline processes and enhance transparency.
* An MTS Dashboard provides updated production information from leaseholders.
* The MTS portal is developed as per Rule 73 of MCDR, 2017.
Impact Analysis:
Central Government:
* Impact: Responsible for setting regulations, monitoring compliance, and promoting sustainable practices in the mining sector.
* Action Required: Continue to develop and enforce policies, monitor the submission of digital images, and oversee the implementation of the MTS portal.
Lease Holders/Miners:
* Impact: Required to adopt sustainable mining practices, obtain necessary clearances, and comply with environmental regulations.
* Action Required: Submit digital aerial images, adhere to MCDR, 2017 guidelines, prepare and implement mine closure plans, and report on rehabilitative works.
Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM):
* Impact: Tasked with developing and maintaining the Mining Tenement System (MTS) and ensuring its effective use by stakeholders.
* Action Required: Maintain and update the MTS portal, ensure data accuracy, and provide support to users for reporting and compliance.
State Governments:
* Impact: Responsible for enforcing mining regulations, monitoring compliance, and forfeiting financial assurances in case of non-compliance with closure plans.
* Action Required: Monitor mining operations within their jurisdiction, ensure compliance with MCDR, 2017, and take necessary action against non-compliant leaseholders.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The Indian government ministry responsible for the regulation and development of the mining sector.
Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017: A set of rules established by the Indian government to regulate the conservation and development of minerals.
Drone Data Management System: A system developed for the online submission of digital aerial images related to mining activities.
Sustainable Mining Practices: Practices aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of mining activities and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources.
Progressive Mine Closure Plan: A plan required by lease holders to outline the steps for safely and effectively closing a mine during its operational phase.
Final Mine Closure Plan: A plan required by lease holders to outline the steps for safely and effectively closing a mine at the end of its operational phase.
Indian Bureau of Mines: An organization in India responsible for promoting the scientific and systematic development of mineral resources.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2985
ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025
AI-BASED MINING
2985. SHRI K GOPINATH:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) the details of mines across the country where drone surveys, AI-based mineral
assessment and IoT-based monitoring systems have been implemented to promote
sustainable mining;
(b) the reforms incorporated in existing mining license regulations to mandate
environmental protection, water recycling and mine closure plans in mining areas
along with the proposed new policies in this regard;
(c) the present status of Digital Mining Dashboards, real-time production monitoring
and AI-based safety systems; and
(d) whether the said measures have been made mandatory and if so, the details
thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a): The Central Government has adopted technology in mining sector for monitoring
the mining activities using application of digital aerial images (drone and satellite) by
incorporating regulatory provisions in the Mineral Conservation and Development
Rules, 2017 [MCDR, 2017].
A Drone Data Management System (DDMS) has been developed for online
submission of digital aerial images. During the last three years, a total of 3,852 digital
images have been submitted on this portal. These steps ensure better supervision of
mining operations.
The Ministry of Mines has also incorporated provisions for Sustainable Mining
Practices under Chapter-V of MCDR, 2017 which provides Rules for precaution
against air pollution, prevention of discharge of toxic liquid, precaution against noise,
control of surface subsidence etc. Rule 35 of MCDR, 2017 provides for star rating of
the mining leases based on the sustainable mining practices adopted by the miners.(b): As per existing law, before execution of the mining lease, it is mandatory for the
prospective lessees to obtain the requisite statutory clearances, including
Environmental Clearance. The lease holders are required to ensure compliance of the
terms and conditions of the clearances and approvals accorded by the respective
authorities, failing which necessary action is taken by the concerned authorities under
the respective Acts and applicable Rules/Guidelines.
The mining projects are also mandated to obtain the No Objection Certificate for
ground water extraction subject to specific conditions under the guidelines issued by
the Ministry of Jal Shakti to regulate and control ground water extraction in India.
Further, groundwater monitoring and quantity of recycled water as a percentage of
total water withdrawal from external sources are included as parameters in the
evaluation template for star rating of mines.
Under MCDR, 2017, every lease holder is also required to prepare a Progressive Mine
Closure Plan (PMCP) and Final Mine Closure Plan (FMCP). The lease holders are
mandated to submit a yearly report informing about the extent of protective and
rehabilitative works carried out as per the mine closure plan, failing which the financial
assurance given by the lease holder is forfeited by the State Government.
(c) & (d): The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has developed the Mining Tenement
System (MTS) portal, which is designed to streamline processes, enhance
transparency, and improve efficiency in mineral resource management. It also
promotes the objective of ease of doing business. It has various modules which are
being used by various stakeholders for the purpose of reporting. Also, an MTS
Dashboard has been developed which is dynamic and provides updated information
regarding production by the leaseholders. The MTS portal has been developed as
per Rule 73 of MCDR, 2017.
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