Indian Bureau of Mines seeks mandatory registration of mining agents, traders

PANAJI: In a bid to curb illegal iron ore mining in Goa, the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has decided to bring all mining agents and traders under its ambit by making registration mandatory.

It has now become compulsory for all mining leases, traders, stockists, exporters and end users engaged in mineral business to get registered with IBM under rule 45 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2011, according to a circular dated September 16.

The action comes in the backdrop of extensive probe launched by the Shah Commission into illegal mining trade in the state.

The IBM has also asked the state Mines and Geology department to bar trader or exporters, who don't have valid registration number under MCDR rules.

IBM has also asked its regional offices to ensure that traders without valid registration do not trade, stock, export or use the ore.

The IBM website also mentions that owner, agent, mining engineer or manager of every mine should submit monthly and annual returns in prescribed form to the Regional Controller of Mines.