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The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) established in 1948, is a multi-disciplinary government organisation under the Department of Mines, Ministry of Mines, engaged in promotion of conservation, scientific development of mineral resources and protection of environment in mines other than coal, petroleum & natural gas, atomic minerals and minor minerals.

From a small beginning as a purely advisory body, the IBM has emerged into a premier national organisation involved deeply into the various aspects of the mineral industry. The current functions of IBM include promoting conservation of mineral resources by way of inspection of mines, geological studies, scrutiny and approval of mining plans and mining schemes, conducting environmental studies and environment related activities, evolving technologies for upgradation of low grade ores and identifying avenues for their utilisation, preparation of feasibility reports for mining and beneficiation projects , preparation of minerals maps and National Mineral Inventory of minerals resources; providing technical consultancy services  to  mineral  industry,  and functioning as a data bank for mines and minerals, and preparing of technical and statistical publications.

Headed by the Controller General, IBM has six technical divisions with its head quarters at Nagpur. There is a Modern Mineral Processing Laboratory and Pilot Plant established with the assistance of United Nations Development Programme at Nagpur. IBM has 3 Zonal Offices, 12 Regional Offices and 2 Sub-Regional Offices , 2 Regional Ore Dressing Laboratories and Pilot Plants spread over the Country. The IBM offices are located at Ajmer Bangalore,  Bhubaneshwar,  Kolkata, Chennai, Dehra Dun, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Nagpur, Nellore, Ranchi, and Udaipur; and the Pilot plants & Ore Dressing Laboratories at Ajmer, Bangalore, and Nagpur.

Facts –

1.      Indian Bureau of Mines was set up on 1 st March,1948.

2.      Initially IBM functioned purely as an advisory body.

3.      It helped government in framing various rules like Mines & Minerals (Regulation & Development ) Act, 1948, Mineral Concession Rules, 1949 and Petroleum Concession Rules, 1949.

4.      IBM was given a set of functions in 1950 and in accordance with it, the inspection of mines and mineral prospects became a regular activity.

5.      By 1953 IBM was given an additional function of undertaking detailed exploration of mineral deposits. Among the minerals explored by IBM were Iron Ore, Limestone, Dolomite, Coal, Copper, Tungsten.

6.      Later Mineral Conservation & Development Rules ,1955 and Mining Leases (Modification of Terms),1956 were framed.

7.      An ore dressing laboratory was set up at Delhi in 1955.

8.      With the passage of time the activities of IBM grew in depth and extent  like Technical Consultancy and preparation of mineral maps  leading to complete  inventory of mineral resources. With its pool of mining engineers , geologists and ore dressing engineers it covered a wide variety of needs of the mining industry.

9.      Various publications related to mining and mineral industries were brought out.

10.  Offices were set up in the different parts of the country close to major mining centers.

11.  In the last decade, with the change in the policy of Government, two very important activities were undertaken by IBM. The first being the processing and approval of mining plans and schemes of mining for all the mines in the country and second one being the implementation of rules for the protection of environment . IBM accepted this challenge and has been successful in promoting the awareness about protection of environment in the mines through the " Mines Environment & Conservation Week".

12.  IBM also started imparting training to the industry personnel in the preparation of mining plans and also in  the other fields.

13.  Modern Mineral Processing Laboratory, Analytical Laboratory and Pilot Plants were set up at Nagpur, Ajmer and Bangalore.

14.  IBM lost no time in realising the  potential of information technology and entered into the agreement with BRGM of France in setting up " Mineral Resources Intelligence System " and " Technical Management Information System"  in HQ and its 3 zonal & 12 regional offices.

15.  In a nutshell , the IBM has been able to promote awareness amongst all sections of the mining industry, necessity and advantages of systematic mining and conservation of minerals and  protection of environment..  The results of its ore dressing investigations have formed the basis of new commercial beneficiation plants and thus enlarged  the mineral resource base. The IBM's clientele seeking technical consultancy covers a wide spectrum of small and large mines and many public sector organisations. IBM has been able to provide useful information to the industry through its publications  and has been recognised as the Mines and Minerals Data Bank of the country.

FUNCTIONS –

The New Charter of Functions of Indian Bureau of Mines is as follows:

1.      To promote systematic and scientific development of mineral resources of the country (both onshore and offshore)

2.      To approve mining plans, schemes and mine closure plans having regard to conservation of minerals and protection of environment.

3.      To collect, collate and maintain database on exploration, prospecting, mines and minerals and to bring out publications / bulletins highlighting the problems and prospects of mining industry.

4.      To play a pro-active role in minimising adverse impact of mining on environment by undertaking environmental assessment studies on regional basis.

5.      To conduct suo moto techno-economic field studies in mining , geology, mineral processing and environmental aspects including analysis of ore and minerals and to promote R & D activities in these areas.

6.      To provide technical consultancy services on promotional basis within the country and abroad in the field of mining , geology, mineral processing and environment.

7.      To provide training to the scientific, technical and other cadres of the department and persons from the mining industry and other agencies for human resource development.

8.      To advise the Government on matters in regard to the mineral industry , relating to environment protection and pollution control, export and import policies, trade, mineral legislation, fiscal incentives and related matters.

9.      To promote awareness about conservation , systematic and scientific development of mineral deposits and protection of environment including restoration and rehabilitation of mined out areas through exhibitions and audiovisual media.

10.  To promote and monitor community development activities in the mining areas.

11.  To undertake any such other activity as may become necessary in the light of the developments in the field of geology, mining, mineral beneficiation and environment.

Divisions –

MINES CONTROL & CONSERVATION OF MINERALS ( MCCM ) DIVISION

The Mines Control & Conservation of Minerals (MCCM ) division is the premier wing of the department which ensures mineral conservation, systematic & scientific development of mines and protection of environment in and around mines with an aim of sustainable development of mineral resources of the country, through statutory enforcement as well as promotional activities. It is headed by the Chief Controller of Mines at the headquarters. The MCCM division has 3 zonal offices, 12 regional offices, and 2 sub -regional offices. The zonal office is headed by the Controller of Mines and regional offices by Regional Controller of Mines. The Chief Controller of Mines is assisted by the Chief Mining Geologist and is supported by Geological Mapping Cell  & Mineral Map Cell and Technical Management and Information System (TMIS) Cell.

The MCCM division carries out the following activities

·         Inspection/examination of mines for enforcing Mineral Conservation & Development Rules, 1988 and certain provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The inspecting officers of Indian Bureau of Mines derive the power of entry and inspection under section 24 of Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act,1957 and they are responsible for enforcing the provisions of these rules.

·         Approval of mining plans/schemes of mining under Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and Mineral Conservation & Development Rules, 1988. Approval of Mine Closure Plan is a new responsibility added.

·         Granting Recognition to qualified persons to work as Recognised Qualified persons (RQPs) for preparation of the statutory mining plans and schemes of mining under Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 and Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988.

·         Granting permission for stoping in underground mines.

·         Carrying out Special Integrated Studies (SIS) of the mines.

·         Conducting detailed or special studies on mineral conservation and development issues and problems.

·         Organising Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Weeks every year at different mining districts of the country for promoting environmental protection & mineral conservation awareness.

·         Assisting Central/State Governments for answering Parliament Questions, ministry references and in formulating all mineral policy matters.

·         Preparation of mineral map and geological maps of mining areas and updating mineral inventory of leasehold areas.

·         During the inspection/studies of mines, guidance is also given to mine managements for the adoption of appropriate technology, systematic mining, upgradation and utilization of low grade minerals, stacking of mineral rejects for future use, and in all environment management matters.

·         On receipt of stoping notices, mines are inspected in detail to ensure adequacy of development, to explore feasibility of improved method for stoping and other ancillary aspects.

·         Environmental problems, during and subsequent to cessation of mining activities are taken care of for which suitable advice is given to the mine managers so that the environmental pollution and degradation caused due to mining activities are minimized to the extent possible. The division also launches prosecution in the court of law for defaulting mine owners for violations of various provisions of MCDR, 1988.

·         In every region of MCCM Division a Mining Plan Grievances Committee (MPGC) has been constituted comprising representatives of mine owners, RQPs and State Directorate of Geology and Mining and IBM for the redressal of grievances of RQPs and entrepreneurs, if any, in connection with disposal of mining plans. Besides this, in every region meeting with RQPs and mine managements are held every year with the objective of providing guidance and redress problems faced by them in implementation of various provisions of MCDR, 1988.

ORE DRESSING DIVISION –

The Ore Dressing (OD) division has been carrying out R&D studies in the field of Mineral Benificiation since its inception in 1960.

Its Modern Mineral Processing Laboratory , Pilot Plant and Analytical Laboratory Complex establised at Nagpur with the assistance of United Nations Development Programme is well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to carry out R&D studies in the field of mineral beneficiation, mineral characterisation, analysis of ores, minerals & ore dressing products as well as environmental samples. The Environmental Laboratory is recognised by Central Pollution Control Board & Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board.

The Bureau has created region wise facilities in mineral testing, beneficialtion & analysis of ores and ores by opening

Regional Ore Dressing Laboratories and Pilot Plants at Ajmer and Bangalore which are also well equipped.

R & D INFRASTRUCTURE:

The R & D infrastructure of OD division consists of the following units:

1. Modern Mineral Processing Laboratory and Pilot Plant, Nagpur.

Ore Dressing Laboratory for bench scale beneficiation studies.

Mineral beneficiation Pilot Plant having capacity ranging from 0.5 to 2 tonnes/ hour.

Chemical Analysis Laboratory.

Minerological Laboratory.

Physical Characterisation Laboratory.

Environmental Analysis Laboratory.

2. Regional Ore Dressing Laboratory and Pilot Plant, Ajmer.

Ore Dressing Laboratory and Pilot Plant.

Chemical Analysis Laboratory.

Mineralogical Laboratory.

3. Regional Ore Dressing Laboratory and Pilot Plant , Bangalore.

Ore Dressing Laboratory and pilot Plant.

Chemical Analysis Laboratory including fire assay.

Minerological Laboratory.

IMPORTANT FACILITIES:

MINERAL PROCESSING

IBM has been conducting mineral beneficiation test work on a variety of ores and minerals and over 2200 investigations have been completed so far. The prime objective of the investigations is to develop the process, the know-how and flow sheet for beneficiation to obtain saleable products from low grade ores and mineral rejects.

Crushing

Jaw, Roll, Reduction Cone Crushers.

Grinding

Ball, Rod and Pebble Mills.

Gravity Concentration

Jigs (Denver, Hartz)

HMS (Cone)

Shaking Tables (Wilfley, Deister & Mozley)

Multi-gravity separator (MGS)

Centrifugal Concentrator (Knelson)

Air Classifier

Spirals (MDL)

Floatex Density Separator

Duplex Concentrator.

Magnetic Separation

Dry magnetic separator (Permroll, Improsys)

Disc high intensity dry magnetic separator

Cross belt high intensity magnetic separator

Induced Roll magnetic separator

Low intensity drum separator ( Sala & Dings)

Wet high intensity magnetic separator ( Eriez & Jones)

Ferrous Wheel (High gradient) magnetic separator

High gradient magnetic separator - Cryogenic (Carpco)

Flotation Cells

Laboratory Floatation Cells

Denver, Wemco, Outokumphu, Agitair

Pilot plant scale flotation cells

Denver and Dorr Oliver (different capacities)

Flotation columns (3 " dia)

Electrostatic Separator

Carpco Roll and Plate type electrostatic separator.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

·         Classical Wet Analysis.

·         Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)

·         X- Ray Fluroscence Spectrophotometer (XRF)

·         Inductively Coupled Plasma Analyser(ICPA)

·         Infra Red Spectroscope(FTIA).

·         Ion Chromatograph.

·         Carbon Sulphur Analyser.

·         UV Visible Spectrophotometer.

·         Flame Photometer.

·         Ion Selective Electrode Analyser.

·         MINEROLOGY

·         Sample Preparation Equipment.

·         Microscopes.

·         X- Ray Diffractometer (XRD)

·         TG / DTA Thermo Analyser

·         Electron Probe Micro Analyser (EPMA)

·         PHYSICAL CHARACTERISATION

·         Particle size analyser ( Sedigraph 5100)

·         Brightness tester.

·         Surface area analyzer.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

The Ore Dressing Division of IBM is carrying out R & D studies for development of beneficiation process flow-sheet / process know-how of low grade ores and minerals in Laboratory and Pilot Plant scale and to generate process data / parameters for design of commercial concentrators. The major sponsors of the investigation are public sector undertakings, central and state governments as well as many private mining companies and consultancy firms. Besides, substantial departmental promotional work is also carried out which are of prime importance from conservation of minerals and environmental aspects point of view.

Some of the significant work has been done in the field of mineral beneficiation for the following sponsors from the mineral industry / related institutions and organisations.

INTERNATIONAL

1.      M/s Bishi Metal Exploration Corporation, Japan

2.      M/s Lurgi, West Germany

3.      M/s Metchem, Canada

4.      M/s RTZ Consultants

5.      National Mining Company LLC, Oman

6.      Government of Bhutan

7.      Government of Vietnam

CENTRAL & STATE AGENCIES

Department of Mining & Geology of the States of Assam , Gujarat, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Manipur, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim and West Bengal.

1.      Geological Survey of India.

2.      Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore.

3.      Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar and Jorhat.

4.      National Metallurgical Laboratory, Chennai and Jamshedpur.

5.      PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS

6.      Andhra Pradesh Mining Corporation Ltd.

7.      Bhilai Steel Plant

8.      Fertilizers Corporation of India Ltd.

9.      Gujarat Minerals Development Corporation

10.  Hutti Gold Mines Ltd.

11.  Hindustan Copper Ltd.

12.  Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Ltd.

13.  Maharashtra State Mining Corporation Ltd.

14.  Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd.

15.  Manganese Ore India Ltd.

16.  National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.

17.  Orissa Mining Corporation.

18.  Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Ltd.

19.  Rajasthan State Tungsten Development Corporation.

20.  Sikkim Mining Corporation Ltd.

21.  Uttar Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.

22.  West Bengal Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.

23.  PRIVATE SECTOR

24.  Ambuja Cement Ltd.

25.  Achean Granites Pvt. Ltd.

26.  Associated Cement Co. Ltd.

27.  Bharat Aluminium Co. Ltd.

28.  Binani Cements Ltd.

29.  BEC Fertilizers Ltd.

30.  Chowgule & Co. Ltd.

31.  Dempo Mining Corporation Ltd.

32.  English India Clay Ltd.

33.  Ferro Alloys Corporation Ltd.

34.  G.R.Graphites

35.  Hindustan Zinc Ltd.

36.  Ispat Industries Ltd.

37.  Keshoram Cements .

38.  Madras Cements Ltd.

39.  Mangalam Cements Ltd.

40.  Oswal Chemcials and Fertilizers Ltd.

41.  Sesa Goa Pvt. Ltd.

42.  Salgaocar Pvt. Ltd.

43.  Sociedade Fomento Industrial Ltd.

44.  SRF Ltd.

45.  Tamilnadu Minerals

46.  Tata Iron & Steel Co. Ltd.

Mining Research (MR) Cell

The Mining Research Cell undertakes research investigations on geotechnical projects and environment related issues, both on promotional and consultancy basis. (Click here for  Schedule of Charges ).A mobile environmental monitoring lab with state-of-the-art equipment for air quality measurements is in operation.

Services Offered

Environment

IBM conducts environmental investigations by rendering consultancy- services on

charge basis and promotional basis for the benefit of mining industry.

IBM is also involved with BRGM, France on a collaborative project.

Facilities:

·         Mobile Environmental Laboratory (Van).

·         Automatic Recording Electronic weather station.

·         Dust Trak (Aerosol Monitor).

·         Automatic Stream Monitor.

·         Automatic Weather Sampler.

·         Blast Vibration Monitors (Blast mate & Minimates).

·         Noise Level Meter.

·         Free Silica Sampler.

·         Phase Contrast Microscope.

·         Portable Photometer.

·         GPS receiver.

·         Latest computer hardware and softwares , Color printers, scanners,  digitizers,

·         and Laptops with matching softwares MAPINFO,  MEDOWIN, dBOl.

Services offered:

·         Generation of environmental base line data for mining projects.

·         Preparation of REIA, EIA and EMP for mining projects.

·         Environmental Audit.

·         Risk Analysis and preparation of disaster management plan for site specific project.

Geo-technical Investigations

IBM undertakes geo-technical investigations by rendering consultancy services on

charge basis and promotional basis for the benefit of mining industry.

Facilities:

·         Point Load Tester.

·         Biaxial Testing Machine.

·         Portable Shear Box.

·         Core Cutting and Grinding Equipment

·         Multi-point Bore hole Extensometer

·         Tape Extensometer with readout unit

·         Bore hole Piezometers with read out unit

·         Latest computer facilities with matching softwares like BLASTWARE, CATRA, GALENA etc. for processing the field generated data.

Services offered:

·         Geo-technical Investigations for slope stability.

·         Pit slope design.

·         Field geo-technical instrumentation monitoring and analysis of data.

·         Design of underground excavation.

·         Design of stoping methods, support requirements, instrumentation and monitoring.

MINERAL ECONOMICS DIVISION

The Mineral Economics (ME) Division was established in 1948 in Indian Bureau of Mines. In 1956 it attained the status of division of the department. The ME division provides information support and advisory services to the Government and Mineral Industry specially on issues like marketing, specifications and uses of minerals, mineral legislation, inventory of mineral resources, mining leases and taxation etc. Moreover, it disseminates latest information on mineral industry, collected through statutory as well as non-statutory sources, through its flag-ship publication "Indian Minerals Year Book" and number of other publications. This Division is headed by a Chief Mineral Economist. The IBM's Mineral Resource & Intelligence System (MRIS) Center, Library and Reprographic Unit also function under this Division. While keeping with primary objective of the department, Mineral Economics Division discharges its responsibilities by collecting different kinds of data on mines and minerals and allied subjects , processes it and disseminates through different functional activities. The main functions of ME division are as follows:

• Preparation & updating of National Mineral Inventory
• Market Survey & Non-ferrous Metals consumption  Indian Minerals Year Book
• Mineral Legislation, Trade. Taxation & International Co- operation
• Mining Lease information and Bulletin of Mineral Information
• World Mineral Intelligence
• Mineral Resource & Intelligence System Database ( MRIS )
• Mineral Information and Advisory Services Library and Press (Service Unit)

NATIONAL MINERAL INVENTORY (NMI)

The main task of NMI unit is preparation and quinquennial updation of the inventories of Mineral Resources in the country, covering mineral deposits in leasehold and freehold areas. This provides an overview of Geological and Techno-Economical status of mineral resources, necessary for planning and programming of mineral development.

Preparation of National Mineral Inventory is a continuous process right from 1968. However updating commenced from 1980 onwards. Latest National Mineral Inventory data for 64 minerals are available as on 1.4.2000 for both freehold and leasehold areas & are available to the public on reasonable charge basis.

National Mineral Inventory as on 1.4.2000 covers following aspects. Location of the mineral deposit / lease, nature of land, infrastructure, geology, exploration, physical and chemical properties, beneficiation, resources, reserves, status of freehold / leasehold, etc. along with the primary source of information.

NMI provides comprehensive overview of exploration, development and mining activities carried out by the Govt. departments, undertakings and private agencies. A quick browse will help an entrepreneur to short list his target deposits. The inventory will be immensely helpful in planning and programming in the field of Regional Mineral Development.

NMI is fully computerised and available as 'hard copy' on charge basis

MINING LEASE INFORMATION

Under Rule 57(2) of Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 This Unit has been assigned with the task of preparation and updating of mining lease information and brings out the Directory of Mining Leases based on the information received through the consolidated annual returns in proforma A, B & C from various state govts. and union territories under Rule 57(2) of MCR 1960. The data so received are physically processed, analysed and updated through computerisation. Finally mining lease directory and other required data are generated. This is a continuous process carried out on yearly basis.

The Mining Lease Directory provides comprehensive overview of a mining lease with details on location of lease, lessee's name and address, lease area, date of grant of ML, date of execution of ML, period of lease etc.

Mining lease information is fully computerized and is available as 'hard copy' on charge basis.

BULLETIN OF MINERAL INFORMATION (BMI)

State Government departments viz. Directorate of Mines & Geology submit various returns and notices on grant of mining leases/ prospecting licences, execution deeds, abstracts, renewal, amendments, revocation, surrender / determination etc. under rule 57(1) of MCR 1960. Besides, mine owners send notices in prescribed proforma /returns under Rule 22, 23, 24, 25 & 50 of Mineral Conservation & Development Rules, 1988 . Further copies of PL / ML orders relating to approval / inclusion of additional mineral in the existing leases are received from the Central Government. All the data received under the above are processed comprehensively and computerised and incorporated in the Half Yearly Bulletin of Mineral information, under

i) Tables on trend in mining and prospecting licences

ii) Letters of Intent / industrial licences granted to mineral based industry and

iii) Information on production of mineral based products.

INDIAN MINERALS YEARBOOK (IMYB)

This scheme is linked to the objective of enhancing the information base and dissemination of data on the mines, minerals, mineral commodities and mineral based industries, an important segment of our industrial sector. "Indian Minerals Year Book" (IMYB) depicts entire "gamut" of minerals and mineral based industries of India. It has over the last 45 years, built up an unique system of data collection without any parallel in the country.

Preparation of IMYB involves correspondence for obtaining data / information on non-statutory basis from nearly 2700 parties engaged in mineral industries including state directorates of Mines & Geology, R & D Institutions, Mineral Producers, Users, Traders, etc. and gleaning information from annual returns submitted under MCDR ,1988. The data received are analysed and based on this data consumption data are recorded and tables are prepared. IMYB consists of Part I having as many as 13 general chapters and Part II consists of 64 mineral & commodity reviews.

IMYB provides a status report of Mining and Mineral Industry in India on an annual basis. This Publication has wide readership - both National and International.

MARKET SURVEY OF MINERALS & METALS

(A) Market Survey

Market Survey of mineral commodities commenced in 1968. The activity comprises collection and processing of information on the mineral and making forecasts of demand in various consuming sectors in the country and also analysis of foreign markets supply forecasts are made based on the analysis of data on mineral resources situation and also studying the opportunities of augmenting the resources by exploration and up-gradation of leaner ores.

Market Survey covers information on following aspects:

Introduction, uses, specification, dernand-supply, processing, policies, prices and foreign markets and summary & conclusion.

This is a unique source to provide information based on the comprehensive study of demand-supply of mineral markets which forms significant manifestation of natural endowment. Market survey reports are useful to:

·         i)mineral producers and traders for identifying demand for both domestic and export prospects in the international market diversification,

·         ii) mineral consumers for identifying the source of supply,

·         iii) policy makers for identifying mineral surpluses and deficiencies and formulation of trade policies,

·         iv) planners / policy makers for decision making on the need ,scope and quantum of imports and exports stocks and exploration strategies for augmenting reserves of the required grade of mineral for long term supplies and

·         v) R&D institutions for developing suitable process , techniques and know-how for bringing ROM production to marketable standards by beneficiation and to the govt. agencies for ensuring effective utilisation of resources.

Total no. of reports produced so far since 1972 onwards are 25 as follows:

01. Barytes 02. Manganese dioxide 03. Chromite 04. Talc/Steatite 05. Bentonite 06. Granite 07. Rock Phosphate 08. Iron ore 09. Barytes ( Revised ) 10. Silica Minerals 11. Graphite 12. Mica 13. Felspar 14. Dolomite 15. Gypsum 16. Granite (Revised) 17. Kyanite & Sillimanite 18. Magnesite 19. Marble 20. Chromite 21. Bauxite 22. Manganese ore 23. Industrial Minerals (Barytes, Bentonite, Mica, Talc, Vermiculite and Wollastonite) 24. China clay (Kaolin) 25. Granite (Revised)

(B) Non-Ferrous Metal Consumption (Copper, Lead and Zinc)

With regard to copper, lead and zinc metals the current activity covers the data on resources, end-use consumption, apparent demand and supply, prices, stocks, etc. pertaining to India and the World and its dissemination through the annual bulletin. The bulletin is useful to the copper, lead, & zinc metal producers, consumers, traders, policy makers and others.

WORLD MINERAL INTELLIGENCE (WMI)

The task of compiling information relating to the World Mineral Resources is yet another important function assigned to the ME Division. Mineral production, consumption, resources, and trade data of different countries are essential to India with a view to assist the government in promotion of international cooperation that too under present liberalised economic environment.

Because of the large scale international trade in minerals, the discovery of any deposit, its potentiality & evaluation can affect the export or import trade of the country. It is therefore absolutely essential that the relevant information regarding mineral industry of the different countries of the world is available so that constant watch can be kept over the world wide developments affecting India's interest and strategies for future course of action can be planned accordingly.

At present information on country-wise production, resources, price, consumption and trade are compiled from different international publications and other sources for 60 different minerals and with a view to explore possibilities of setting up joint ventures in the Mining Sector and for Regional Conference of Association of countries such as ESCAP, SAARC, ASEAN, etc.

Under special assignment studies, technical papers for National & International seminars, symposia etc. are prepared besides draft speeches / addresses for Minister / Secretary (Mines) and Head of the Department, etc.

MINERAL INFORMATION & ADVISORY SERVICES (MIAS)

This unit provides mineral related information to the government agencies / individuals and advise to the government on different mineral related issues and examines the problems and policy issues for rendering comments to the Govt. from time to time.

MIAS unit has active participation in various committees constituted by Ministry of Mines and other Ministries, like the Study Group on Revision of Royalty Rates, Multi-disciplinary Committee to examine the Taxation Regime for Mineral Sector, both State and Central Government taxes, Granite Development Council Meeting, and Marble Development Group etc. The unit plays a vital role in providing inputs for decision making for interpretation / review of different provisions in Indian Mining Acts / Rules and Regulations, review of rents, royalties, mineral rights tax, minimum wages and social security benefits for employment in mining and trade policy on mineral commodities.

This is a sensitive activity for the govt. to take prompt, sound and reasonable decision making on the diverse mineral related issues coming up from time to time.

MINERAL LEGISLATION, TRADE, INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MINING LAWS OF INDIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Under this programme, various abstracts decision of the Supreme Court / High courts on cases relating to Indian Mineral Legislation and changes in trade policy, customs duties, etc. are documented. These are documented from gazettes, trade journals, etc. and published in the half yearly Bulletin of Mineral Information. This dissemination helps mineral industry in better understanding the implication of various decisions viz. existing mineral legislation. This unit has a important role in the formulations of as well offering suggestions for amendments of the principle Acts & Rules made there under.

MINERAL RESOURCE AND INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM DATABASE: (MRIS)

A project was mooted in 1992 with BRGM France to integrate all data bases related to mines and minerals under single computer system. The following database structure has been created on different items in the computer.

-          National Mineral Inventory and Beneficiation (NMI & B)

-          Mining lease and Geographical Information System (MLGIS)

-          Mines-cum-Production (MCP)

-          External Trade (ET)

-          World Mineral Intelligence (WMI)

All the data bases under this project became operational at IBM, Nagpur. The information generated from these databases were effectively utilised internally by IBM for various publications and technical reports and also data supplied to various government and private agencies for the benefit of mineral and mining industries.

These databases were operational using ORACLE 6 RDBMS on VMS platform which had been translated into ORACLE 8 under IBM-BRGM-TMIS Project and started functioning on WINDOWS NT platform.

CENTRAL LIBRARY

IBM's library at the headquarters has rich collection of books, journals, published & unpublished reports of IBM and GSI, Annual Reports of various ministries, organisations, industrial houses, etc., mainly connected with mining and allied subjects. Total collection of publications as on 31.3.2002 was 67,000 while the number of periodicals received on subscription as well as exchange / complimentary basis was 202 including 61 foreign periodicals.

For the benefit of its users, Library compiles subject-wise bibliographies, which have been computerized. Besides, it helps readers by providing Xeroxing services and information on reference enquries.

PUBLICATION SECTION (Including IBM Press)

The Section continued to provide editorial and in-house printing services for the Department's publications. The IBM Press made 14.40 lakhs page impressions for various publications, reports, and publicity materials etc. during 2001- 2002. IBM publications worth Rs. 4.38 lakhs were sold in 2001 - 2002.

SALIENT WORK CARRIED OUT BY M.E DIVISION IN RECENT PAST

EXPERT COMMITTEE ON CHROMITE

At the instance of Ministry of Steel, an Expert Committee on Chromite was constituted on 21.12.2000 for reviewing the reserves position vis-a-vis production, consumption and prospects of exports of chromite, on the same line as per the Expert Committee which had been set up in 1989.

The Expert Committee on Chromite worked under chairmaship of Dr. K.K.Chatterjee, Chief Mineral Economist and comprising Dr.S.S.Bhake, Deputy Mineral Economis(Intelligenc) as Member Secretrary and representatives from the Ministries of Mines, Steel, Commerce, the Directors of Geology and Mines, Govt. of Orissa & karnataka, Geological Survey of India and Indian Bureau of Mines as members, to review the exploration, production and export policies and ceilings in terms of ores and concentrates.

The report was finalised by the committee in the final meeting on 21.6.2001 and Dr.K.K.Chatterjee, in the capacity of chairman of the committee submitted the report to the Secretary (Ministry of Steel), Government of India on 13.7.2001. The recommendations are under consideration.

MINERAL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

Mineral Economics Division continued to provide basic inputs for impoprtant policy decisions in mineral sector, by proposing agenda items, preparing background notes, comments for the Mineral Advisory Council.

Twenty Seventh meeting of the Mineral Advisory Council (MAC) was held on 21.9.2002 to consider further policy matters, implementation of United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) System for Indian mineral resources, de-reservation of large areas earmarked for State exploitation, etc.

MINERAL LAW & POLICY

The on-going process of achieving the objectives of the National Mineral Policy, 1993 was continued during the year. Consequent upon the amendments to Mines & Minerals ( Development & Regulation), Act, 1957 in December,1999 and related amendments to Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 and Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 in January, 2000, the concept of reconnaissance operations as a stage of operations distinct from and prior to actual prospecting operations has been recognised and defined. As a result, these amendments took the place of Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Mines in October,1996 for grant of prospecting licenses over large areas for conducting aerial surveys. As per information available with IBM as on 20.12.2002, a total of 170 proposals of Prospecting Licenses over large areas / Reconnaissance permits have been cleared by the Ministry so far, covering an area of about 234.7 thousand sq.km. in the States of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh ( including 68 P.L. over large areas covering an area of about 106 thousand sq.km. cleared during 1997-98 to 1999-2000)

In continuation of the major amendments to delegate more powers to the State Governments effected in December, 1999 to the then MMRD Act, 1957 ( and related amendments to MCR, 1960 in January, 2000, September, 2000 and January, 2001, and to MCDR, 1988 in January and Septemeber, 2000 and January, 2001), MCR, 1960 was further amended on 11.1.2002 enhancing some fees / charges , inserting new rules providing for disposal of applications for approval of mining plan within a period of 90 days and applications of Reconnaissance Permit, Prospecting Licenses and Mining Leases within 6, 9 & 12 months respectively etc. MCDR, 1988 was also amended on 11.1.2002 inserting new rule providing for intimation of amalgamation of mining leases within 30 days, enhancing the penalties for violation of rules, etc. Rates of royalty on Coal & Lignite were revised on 16.8.2002 under Second Schedule to the Act.

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE TO STUDY TAXATION REGIME FOR THE MINERAL SECTOR

A multi-disciplinary committee was appointed in April, 1998 to study in detail the entire taxation regime applicable to the mineral sector for suggesting appropriate tax structure conducive to rapid development of minerals and mineral based industries in the country. The committee submitted its recommendations in July, 2000.

GROUP ON MARBLE DEVELOPMENT

To fulfil a long felt need of the marble industry, the Ministry of Mines had constituted a Group on Marble Development in September 1999, with a view to look into the various problems related to mining, value addition and exports, etc. of marble and to suggest appropriate measure to overcome the bottlenecks affecting this industry. The Group is working under the overall guidance and supervision of Granite Development Council. Three meetings of the Group have been held and the Marble Development & Conservation Rules, 2002 were notified on 15.5.2002. The Granite Conservation and Development Rules, 1999 were amended on 17.10.2002 providing for the State Governments to forward a copy of annual report, the half yearly returns and annual returns to the Controller General, IBM.

MINING & MINERAL STATISTICS DIVISION

The Mining and Mineral Statistics Division works as the Nation's data bank on Mines and Minerals. 

Administration of Rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 1988 is one of the major functions of the Mining and Mineral Statistics division. Under this rule, monthly, annual and explosive returns are to be furnished for each mine by the Owner, Agent, Manager or Mining engineer of about 3000 mines in pre-specified formats as per the following time schedule:

Monthly Return in Form-F: Before 15th of every month in respect of preceding month

Annual Explosive Return in Form-G: before 1 st July each year for the preceding financial year in respect of mines using explosives and Annual Return in Form-H: Before 15th July each year for the preceding financial year.

These returns contain data on employment, wages, quantity and value of inputs, rent, royalty, depreciation, taxes, cesses, reserves, exploration, mineral rejects, chemical constituents, feed grade, mining methods and operations, mining machinery, explosives, production, stocks, dispatches, sale prices and cost of production. These data are compiled and processed through computer suitably at mine level and then aggregate at district / state / mineral - wise are being generated every month for various official uses. Nearly 3000 mines in India are reporting production and other information on monthly and annual basis. Mineral production, value (excluding atomic minerals) , no. of reporting mines (excluding atomic mineral, petroleum cure, natural gas (utilised) & Minor minerals) for all minerals during last three years with major groups, special tables like exports of ores & minerals, imports of ores and minerals, index of mineral production are being updated on annual basis in website.

External Trade of Minerals / Ores, Metals and Selected Mineral base products :

Data on external trade are received from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S). These are collected in accordance with Indian Trade Classification based on Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (ITC(HS). Subsequently, the Customs Tariff edition 2003-04 has been brought by Central Board of Excise & Customs, Ministry of Finance, New Delhi after incorporating the changes carried out during the financial year 2002-03 and Finance Bill 2003. The first schedule - Import Tariff has been substituted by the new eight digit first schedule by the Custom Tariff Amendment Ordinance 2003 (No. 1 of 2003). This has been done after a gap of about ten years. The Indian Bureau of Mines collects data annually in respect of about 1300 commodities, which cover minerals, metals and selected mineral based products. The foreign trade statistics so collected, undergo extensive scrutiny, processing through computerisation in IBM. About 600 statements are generated for inclusion in the annual publication "Indian Minerals Yearbook", "Statistical Profiles of Minerals" and "Indian Mineral Industry at a Glance".

 Besides the above, this Division is also engaged in collection and compilation of weekly prices of selected minerals for Wholesale Price Index (WPI), London Metal Exchange (LME)  and domestic prices of non-ferrous metals and production details of fuel minerals, minor minerals and ferrous and non-ferrous metals from different sources.

This division brings out following information services in brief:

• State-wise average sale value of minerals by grades for which royalty is chargeable on ad-valorem basis not linked to any International Benchmark Prices and it is being updated every month & available on this website. This is being sent every month to respective DGM's for collection of royalty.

• Monthly summary of mineral production, estimated value of mineral production for the current month.

• Monthwise and quarterwise Index of mineral production alongwith the production of all the minerals in the mining and quarrying sector excepting atomic minerals for which minerals to be included in the index of industrial  production as per Statistical Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) norms laid down by the International Monitory Fund (IMF) being sent to Central Statistical Organisation, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, New Delhi.

• Average index of mineral production during last three years.

• Press note on mineral production is prepared every month.

• Monitoring report on monthly review and of London Metal Exchange (LME) and domestic prices in respect of six non-ferrous metals.

• Mineralwise quantity and value of mineral production is supplied to all State Govt. every month for computation of comparable Index of Industrial Production.

• District wise / mineral wise annual data including production, labour employment, number of mines is being furnished to all state govt at the end of the year for preparing State Domestic Product (SDP) and inclusion in their statistical publication.

• Monthly production figures of manganese and chromite are being furnished to Ministry of Steel, New Delhi for updating their website.

• Monthly ex-mine prices of 19 selected minerals by grades are being furnished to Ministry of Commerce and Industry for computation of Wholsale Price Index (WPI).

• Besides the above, the information on minerals, metals, employment is also furnished periodically to the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Steel, Reserve Bank of India, Railway Board, Planning Commission, Joint Plant Committee, Office of the Coal Controller, Labour Bureau, various research institutes and private agencies and foreign organisations like USGS, UNCTAD, International Manganese Institute, Paris and UNSD, International Copper Study Group Survey, Lisbon, International Fertiliser Industry Association (IFIA), Paris, Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, France etc.