India is gifted with varied mineral resources which form the important raw materials for many basic industries and play an important role in the development of the nation. The National Mineral Policy, 1993 has closely integrated the management of mineral resources with the overall strategy of development. The Policy aims to achieve the best use of available mineral resources through scientific methods of mining, beneficiation and economic utilization. “The policy also emphasizes certain new aspects and elements like mineral exploration in the sea-bed, development of proper inventory, proper linkage between exploitation of minerals and development of mineral industry, preference to members of the Scheduled Tribes for development of small deposits in Scheduled Areas, protection of forest, environment and ecology from the adverse effects of mining, enforcement of mining plan for adoption of proper mining methods and optimum utilization of minerals, export of minerals in value added form and recycling of metallic scrap and mineral waste”. In respect of minerals, the Policy purports to explore for identification of mineral wealth in the land and in off-shore areas, to develop mineral resources taking into account the national and strategic considerations and to ensure their adequate supply and best use keeping in view the present needs and future requirements.
