Context:
The government of Rajasthan is planning to create a mineral exploration master plan for five years.
Who is Responsible for Mines Exploration in India?
The Ministry of Mines (MoM) is responsible for the exploration and survey of minerals in India, except for petroleum, natural gases, and atomic minerals. The MoM also administers the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957 for all minerals and mines other than fossil fuels.
Constitutional Provision
- Mining is under the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, but it is also part of the State List.
- There is no direct entry for mines in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. But some aspects of mines, such as environmental regulation, labor laws, and industrial disputes, may fall under this list. This means that both the central and state governments are entitled to legislate on these aspects.
Some other Organizations related to Mining in India:
- Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
- A regulatory agency which comes under the Ministry of Labour and Employment that deals with the health, safety, and welfare of mine employees .
- Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
- A government organization that promotes the scientific development of mineral resources, conservation, and environmental protection in mines other than coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
