Quality control proposed on sale of minerals

The mines ministry Thursday proposed enforcement of quality controls on sale of primary lead, refined nickel, zinc, and tin ingots in the country.

These norms have been formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the ministry has proposed mandating them through a Quality Control Order (QCO).



Stakeholders, industry users and industry bodies have been asked to submit their suggestions within 60 days on the draft QCOs. Once enforced, sale of primary lead, refined nickel, zinc and tin ingot will be regulated through licences issued by the BIS.


The ministry had in September last year notified QCOs on seven items, including aluminium and aluminium alloys, mandating compulsory certification under Indian Standards (IS) for their domestic production and import. -Our Bureau