In August 2020, the Ministry invited public comments on proposed mining reforms. In January, the proposal was approved by the Cabinet. Now, in response to an RTI application, the ministry said that of over 12,000 submissions that it received, it only considered those suggestions that were “committed for reforms.”
Civil society member, however, feel this is still too short a period for any meaningful public consultations on wide-ranging structural reforms in the mines and mineral sector. Also, it excludes the affected communities.
Members of civil society and concerned activists have condemned a proposal for mining reforms issued by the Ministry of Mines. The notice that was made public on August 24 proposing substantive changes to mineral laws, rules, and regulations, is seeking public comments within a period of 10 days.
