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 IBMs Central Library and Publication Section 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 unit wise main functions of ME division is as follows
NATIONAL MINERAL INVENTORY (NMI)
The main task of National Mineral Inventory Unit of the Mineral Economics Division is preparation and quinquennial updation of 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 NMI is a continuous process initiated in the year 1968 with only a few minerals. Later on more minerals were added in successive updations. Last mineral inventory was updated as on 1-04-2015 in which data on 71 minerals was accommodated. The NMI is fully computerized and the requisite information for free hold deposits is available to stakeholders on charge basis.
NMI in its present form covers - location of Mineral deposits/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.
Considering the need of policy makers and industry entrepreneurs, estimation of resource based on exploration and techno-economic considerations with classification of quantities as per their end-use grade were accommodated. The NMI provides comprehensive overview of exploration, development and mining activities carried out by the Government as well as Private agencies. The NMI thus helps entrepreneurs in short listing target deposits.
The United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC), a system of reporting resource estimation based on three considerations namely Geological, Feasibility and Economic viability has been introduced successfully in the NMI since 01-04-2000 which has opened ways for investors to easy access and assess the information as available in NMI as per globally accepted parameters. The mineral resource data generated by NMI is disseminated through various publications of IBM and is being used by Government and Industry.
INDIAN MINERALS YEARBOOK (IMYB)
This scheme is linked to the objective of enhancing the information base and dissemination of data related to the mines, minerals, metals, mineral commodity trade and mineral based industries which are an important segment of our industrial sector. "Indian Minerals Year Book" (IMYB) depicts entire "gamut" of minerals and mineral based industries of India. The IMYB in general covers the details about minerals wise reserves / resources, production, consumption, industry wise details, foreign trade policy, import-export details and future outlook. The mineral based industry information covers location of plant, capacity, production, end use mineral consumption (indigenous or imported), source of supply, prices, expansion programme, if any, etc. Preparation of IMYB involves correspondence for obtaining data/information on non-statutory basis from various stakeholders engaged in mineral industries including various government departments and undertaking companies, R&D Institutions, Port Authoritties, Mineral Producers, Users, Traders, etc. and gleaning information from annual returns submitted under MCDR, 1988. The data received are synthesized, analysed and incorporated in the various reviews. IMYB consists of Part I pertains to General Reviews, Part II pertains to Metal & Alloys and Part III pertains to Mineral Reviews. This publication has wide readership- both National and International.
BULLETIN OF MINERAL INFORMATION (BMI)
The Bulletin of Mineral Information (BMI) is a Half Yearly Bulletin of Mineral Information. It contains information obtained from various returns and notices on grant of mining leases (ML) / prospecting licences (PL), PL cum ML, execution deeds, abstracts, renewal, amendments, revocation, surrender / determination etc. under rule 59 (1) of Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016 which are being submitted by the Directorate of Mines & Geology of respective State Governments. Besides, mine owners send notices in prescribed proforma /returns under Rule 20, 21, 28, 29, 50 & 51 of Minerals Conservation & Development Rules 2017. However, copies of PL / PL cum ML, ML orders relating to approval / inclusion of additional mineral in the existing leases are received from the Central Government. The data so received are processed and incorporated in the Half Yearly Bulletin of Mineral Information under three broad categories.
- Tables on trend in Mining, Prospecting licences & Prospecting licences cum Mining Leases.
- Information on production of mineral based products.
- Highlights of mineral & mining activities in domestic & abroad.
WORLD MINERAL INTELLIGENCE (WMI)
Through this function, Mineral Economics Division processes and maintains updated information on mineral reserve and production data of different countries. This information is essential to India keeping in view to assist government for bilateral co-operation treaty / agreement with different countries under global liberalized economic scenario.
Technology innovation, discovery of new deposits, its potentiality, international trade in minerals, global economy and international prices of minerals & metals can affect India’s import or export trade and interest in mineral sector of other countries of world. Therefore, constant watch over world wide developments in mineral sector is required for proper utilization and long term planning of Indian mineral resources towards self sufficiency.
At present information on country-wise mineral reserves and production are compiled from different international publications and other sources for 60 different minerals.
MINERAL INFORMATION & ADVISORY SERVICES (MIAS)
The unit provides mineral related information to the government agencies/ individuals and advises 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 provides information on mineral resources, productivity pattern, consumption of mineral in different industries, prices of mineral / metals in different domestic & international markets, exports / imports of minerals / metals and exploration activity carried out by different agencies as and when required for Ministry references, Parliament Questions and also render assistance to Central and State Govts. public and private agencies from time to time.
MIAS unit also prepares key note address / drafts speeches / technical paper / presentation etc. as and when required by the Hon’ble Minister / Minister for state, Ministry of Mines and Head of Deptt.
MINERAL LEGISLATION
This unit provides mineral and mining laws related information to the government agencies / individuals and advise to the government related to MMDR Act and rules made thereunder, Minor Mineral Concession Rules (MMCR), Mineral Policy and policies of other ministries like Steel, Labour, Commerce & Industry, Employment, Foreign Trade Policy, etc. and examines the problems and policy issues for rendering comments to the Government from time to time.
Legislation unit has active participation in various committees constituted by Ministry of Mines and other Ministries, in case of meetings, workshops, the Study Group on Revision of Royalty Rates and Dead Rent for Minerals (other than coal, lignite and sand for stowing and minor minerals). High Level Committee to review the National Mineral Policy, 1993, Working Groups to suggest draft amendments in MMDR Act and rules made there under such as MCR, MCDR, Granite Development Council Meeting and Marble Development Council etc. The unit plays a vital role in providing inputs for decision making for interpretation of provisions/technical interpretation/ review of different provisions in Indian Mining Acts / Rules and Regulations, reviews of dead rents, royalties, mineral rights, tax, export ceiling for iron ore, chromite and manganese ore, export duty, minimum wages and social security benefits for employment in mining and trade policy on mineral commodities. This is a sensitive activity for the government to take prompt, sound and reasonable decision making on the diverse mineral related issues coming up from time to time. Also, this unit provides information on mines and minerals legislation to central government, state government and their under taking, private organizations as and when required for Ministry references, parliamentary questions, private references, comments on court cases etc,. Further, this unit incorporates various amendments in the MMRD Act and rules made thereunder, maintains, updates and upload on the website of IBM.
Under Section (1) of Bulletin on Mineral Information (BMI) various abstracts pertaining to decisions of the Supreme Court / High courts on cases relating to Indian Mineral Legislation/ Laws 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 on Mineral Information. This dissemination helps mineral industry in better understanding the implication of various decisions viz. existing mineral legislation. This unit has an important role in the formulations of as well offering suggestions for amendments of the parent/ principle Acts & Rules made thereunder.
MINING LEASES INFORMATION
Under Rule 59 (2) of Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016
This Unit has been assigned with the task of preparation and updation of mining lease information and bring 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 59 (2) of Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016. The data so received are physically processed, analyzed and updated through computerization. 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 MINING LEASES AND PROSPECTING LICENCES
This Unit has been assigned with the task of preparation of the publication – The Bulletin of Mining and Prospecting Licences. The predominant portion of this bulletin is taken from updated Mining Lease Directory which in turn is compiled from the consolidated annuyal returns supplied by State Govts. Under the Statutory provision o of Rule 59 (2) of Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016. In so far as prospecting Licences / Reconnaissance permits are concerned the individual licence / permit deeds received under Rule 59 (1) of Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016 are utilized. The information in this bulletin after assortment and analysis with different scenario is segregated into state wise, district wise, mineral wise and sector wise for easy comprehensision of data on distribution of Mining Leases / Prosepecting Licences / Reconnaissance Permits execurted across the Country. This is continuous process and carried out on yearly basis. The publication is useful in the process of planning and programming new ventures in judicious utilization of mineral resources.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
IBM’s library at the headquarters has rich collection of books, journals, Gazettes of India, published and unpublished reports of IBM and GSI, Annual Reports of various Ministries, organizations, Industrial houses, etc. mainly connected with mining and allied subjects. Total collection of publications as on 31.3.2018 was 1,40,000 while the number of periodicals received on the subscription as well as exchange / complimentary basis was 159 including 16 foreign periodicals. For the benefit of the users, library compiles subject wise bibliographies, which have been computerized. Besides, it helps readers by providing photocopyig services and information of reference enquiries and online services like Khanij Samachar (a fortnightly service), Takniki Patrika – vishay suchi (a monthly service), list of addition (for books-annual service).
PUBLICATION SECTION
The Publication Section is an important wing of IBM that publishes Technical Publications and undertakes the works of dissemination of information for the Bureau to all external Academic, Scientific and Government bodies. Located at IBM’s Headquarters, the Publication Section is a composite organ that comprises Editorial, DTP, Production and Sales & Distribution Units. All technical publications at IBM are routed through definitive stages of publication processes from editorial scrutiny, formatting & composing, production before they are released by Publication Section. An approximate total of 30 publications including IBM’s flagship publication “Indian Minerals Yearbook” is brought out every year. The Section also handles social media platform (twitter and facebook) of the Bureau.
As part of its regular feature and being the sole dissemination channel of the Bureau, the Publication Section handles complimentary distribution & sales work of all publications. It maintains a vast assemblage of mailing addresses and establishes regular communications with all interested end-users of IBM publications. A total of 3000 complimentary copies of IBM publications get distributed to an approximate 200 enlisted addresses (Indian & Foreign) in the Mailing List every year and reasonable revenue gets generated from sales of publications every year.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT
Chief Mineral Economist
3 rd Floor, Block D,
Indira Bhavan, Civil Lines,
Nagpur-440001
India
Telephone No. 91-712 - 2562216
Fax No.91-712 - 2565471
email : cme[at]ibm[dot]gov[dot]in