Mining Business in A.P. faces neglect amidst widespread closures and cartelisation; FEMMI urges CM to provoke rapid motion

A quartz mineral quarry in Nellore district. Photograph: Particular Association..
The Federation of Minor Minerals Business (FEMMI) has expressed grave concern over the alarming state of the mining sector in Andhra Pradesh, which has been grappling with a number of points for years.
In response to the affiliation, the scenario is dire, with 50% of the minor mineral mines —roughly 2,000 out of 4,000 — shutting down operations. This stark actuality introduced by the Principal Secretary throughout the latest Collectors’ convention within the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, underscores the dismal situation of the sector. FEMMI lamented that no dialogue on the explanations behind the closure occurred within the assembly, leaving crucial points unaddressed.
FEMMI secretary-general Ch. Rao has written a letter to the Chief Minister explaining the explanations for the unprecedented closure of mines and denial of livelihood alternatives for lakhs of individuals. In response to him, a staggering 300-450 per cent taxation on minor minerals was making the leaseholders from A.P. lose the aggressive edge with their counterparts from different States, the shift from the profitable first come first serve (FCFS) system to an public sale primarily based allocation and problems with Environmental Clearances (ECs) have additionally put the business in a precarious place.
FEMMI additionally registered its protest strongly over the involvement of political leaders who’re reportedly insisting for provide of minerals of their cartels in districts like Nellore the place quartz mining was virtually stopped within the final 6.5 months. The federal government’s On-line Mineral e-Allow System (OMPS), which ensured transparency and effectivity, stays non-operational, leaving miners on the mercy of opaque processes managed by political pursuits. Including to their woes, the federal government has not even filed a counter to the writ petition on the permits challenge within the Excessive Court docket leaving the mine homeowners in a bleak scenario.
“Mr. Chandrababu Naidu has the imaginative and prescient and authority to enact reforms and rescue this sinking business. It’s time for the federal government to stroll the discuss on zero tolerance for corruption and rebuild a sustainable mining sector that generates wealth and livelihood for the State,” Mr. Rao said. He escalated these points to the Prime Minister’s Workplace (PMO), NITI Aayog, and the Ministry of Mines, in search of pressing intervention to guard the sector in Andhra Pradesh.
Revealed – December 15, 2024 02:03 pm IST