Parliament Question: Environmental impact of large-scale mining activities across the country

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 291 ANSWERED ON 02.02.2026 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF LARGE-SCALE MINING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY 291. SHRI PARIMAL NATHWANI: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has assessed the environmental impact of large-scale mining activities across the country; (b) if so, the details of such assessments and corrective actions taken; and (c) the role of sustainable mining practices and technology in minimizing environmental degradation? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY) (a) & (b): As per existing law, before execution of the mining lease, prospective lessees mandatorily obtains the requisite statutory clearances, including Environmental Clearance. As part of grant of Environmental Clearance, the prospective lessees carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit the Environment Management Plan (EMP) based on scientific study by taking into consideration likely impact of project activity on the baseline environment. The mining lease holders implement the environmental mitigation measures as approved during grant of Environmental Clearance. (c): Ministry of Mines has implemented Sustainable Mining Practices by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. Provisions have been incorporated in the 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. The star rating scheme is designed to have an inbuilt compliance mechanism for environment and forest safeguards and has been helpful in recognizing good performers in the sector while encouraging all mining lease holders to strive for excellence.Further, as per Rule 35 (4) of MCDR, 2017, every holder of a mining lease is mandated to achieve at least three-star rating within a period of four years from the date of commencement of mining operations and thereafter maintain the same on year-on-year basis. 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 MCDR, 2017. *****