Weekly Mining News: 11-08-2024

1. CBI Charges Hindalco and Former Forest Ministry Director with Corruption

The CBI filed a case against Hindalco and former Forest Ministry director T Chandini under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act. This follows an eight-year preliminary inquiry into alleged corruption related to environmental clearances for coal mining.

2. India Accelerates Coal Infrastructure Development for Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047

The Ministry of Coal announced a strategic initiative to expedite the development of critical logistics infrastructure, aiming to meet the ambitious targets of Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047 set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

3. Mass Protests in Belgrade Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining Project

Thousands protested in Belgrade, Serbia, expressing concerns that Rio Tinto’s lithium mining project could pollute water sources and pose public health risks.

4. Chang’e-5 Mission Uncovers Water-Rich Mineral on the Moon

China’s Chang’e-5 mission discovered a mineral in Moon dust that is composed of 41 percent water, a significant finding from the soil samples brought back to Earth.

5. Vedanta Group Fined ₹71.16 Crore for Unauthorised Fly Ash Dumping in Odisha

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board fined Vedanta Group ₹71.16 crore for the unauthorised disposal of over 7 lakh metric tonnes of fly ash in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh districts.

6. Devon University (UK) Relaunches Mining Engineering Degree Program

Prof. Roberts announced the relaunch of Camborne School of Mines’ undergraduate Mining Engineering degree, emphasizing its importance in the transition to Net Zero and rising demand for critical minerals. Prof. Pat Foster highlighted the school’s tradition of preparing students for global careers. The Camborne School of Mines (CSM) is a renowned institution in the UK.

7. Environment Minister Attributes Wayanad Tragedy to Illegal Mining and Construction

The environment ministry clarified that the Centre did not issue environmental clearances for any developmental activities in Wayanad, linking the tragedy to illegal mining and constructions.

8. Protests Disrupt Bauxite Mining Groundbreaking in Koraput

Fierce protests by local residents halted the groundbreaking ceremony for bauxite mining at the Seruband mine in Koraput district, forcing the Union Minister to return empty-handed.

9. Jindal Steel Reduces Reliance on Australian Coking Coal

Jindal Steel announced a significant reduction in its dependence on Australian coking coal, incorporating new supplies from Africa and Southeast Asia.

10. Himachal Government Allows Private Land Auctions for Mineral Extraction

The Himachal Pradesh government will now permit the auction of suitable private lands for mineral extraction, with landowners receiving 80 percent of the annual bid amount, pending their consent.

Ref: Indianexpress, bbc, thehindu.com, thestatesman, theprint.in, aljazeera, hindustantimes etc.

Pic ref: aljazeera.com

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