Speedy project clearances to kickstart growth

The mining industry seems resigned that captive mining is inevitable to provide a level-playing field in the steel sector, where veterans such as Tata Steel and SAIL have held mining leases for 100 and 60 years, respectively.

Of course, they are also breathing easy that the Committee has rejected the steel manufacturers8217; demand that mines be allocated only steel plants and not be given to the standalone miner.

India is an importer of gold and diamond. The industry now hopes to see some attention on this front. And, industry says it8217;s significant that the State Governments did not make much of a fuss about having their discretionary powers in the granting of mining leases clipped.