By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has not yet approved the mining lease for several companies which are keen to mine the natural resources in the State.
“Altogether, eight companies have applied for mining lease,” Forest and Environment Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters recently.
He also informed that the companies which have applied for mining lease include the cement companies in Jaintia Hills, namely Adhunik and Star Cement which had submitted fresh applications. “We are yet to approve the mining lease since the matter is under examination. Before giving its approval, the Government would have to conduct a spot verification of the areas where the companies are intending to mine the resources,” Tynsong said.
During the spot verification, the Government will assess the extent of damage to forest areas on account of mining activities by these companies, the Forest and Environment Minister said.
‘After the inspection, the State Government will have to submit its report to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment. The final approval for issuing of mining leases would be given by the Ministry after studying the report,” he said.
As per Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Tynsong said that the State Government can issue a mining lease only for areas under five hectares.