Mining must contribute to the inclusive growth and well-being of local communities, particularly indigenous populations, by safeguarding their rights, livelihoods and cultural heritage
Pradeep Biswal
This policy should aim to establish a robust framework for sustainable mining practices, balancing resource utilisation with environmental protection, community welfare, and long-term economic prosperity.
Optimal Utilisation
Minerals are finite resources. Not only the present generation but the future generations have a stake in it. Mining operations therefore must ensure optimal utilisation while preserving adequate resources for future generations.
Odisha, a state blessed with abundant mineral resources, recognises the critical role of mining in its economic development. However, the State has to ensure that mineral extraction is carried out in such a manner that is environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable, thereby securing the well-being of present and future generations. Therefore, a sustainable mining policy has to be developed keeping in view global best practices.
Environmental Stewardship
Protection, restoration, and enhancement of the natural environment, including air, water, land, biodiversity, and ecosystems will be of paramount importance. This has assumed significant importance in the present environment and climate impacts of mining activities globally.
Social Responsibility
Mining must contribute to the inclusive growth and well-being of local communities, particularly indigenous populations, by safeguarding their rights, livelihoods, and cultural heritage. It should not be at the cost of their livelihood and decent living.
Economic Viability and Value Addition
Promote efficient and responsible mining practices that maximise value addition within the state, foster industrial growth, and generate sustainable revenue. Efforts should be made to reduce exports of the raw and encourage value addition inside the state.
Transparency and Accountability
Ensure transparent governance, regulatory compliance, and accountability of all stakeholders in the mining sector. It stipulates that the mining sector must abide by the local laws and regulations.
Precautionary Principle
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment or human health, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. The mining operation should not be a source of environmental degradation and pollution. Proper stacking and protection of topsoil for use in reclamation. This is being grossly neglected.
Waste Management
We need to promote of scientific management towards reduction, reuse, and recycling of mining waste (overburden, tailings) and encourage the use of mining waste as raw material for other industries.
Community Engagement
Mandatory and genuine consultation with local communities, especially Scheduled Tribes and forest-dwelling communities, to obtain their free, prior, and informed consent for mining projects are a must.
In the past the Supreme Court has held the legitimacy of the Forest Rights Act in this regard in the famous Niyamgiri case where Vedanta was involved for proposed bauxite mining.
Transparent disclosure of project details, potential impacts, and proposed mitigation measures in local languages for understanding of the local community are also important.
(Pradeep Biswal, retired IAS Officer, is a bilingual poet writing both in Odia and English. His poems are widely anthologized. He is also an editor and translator of repute. Views are Personal)
