Gadchiroli Mining Bill Passed in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Jul 7 (PTI) The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday passed a bill aimed at coordinating and supervising orderly and rapid development of mineral bearing areas in Gadchiroli district.
The Gadchiroli District Mining Authority Bill shall apply to major minerals and specified minor minerals, said the government.
It replaces the Gadchiroli District Mining Authority 2025.
The authority formed under the legislation will be chaired by the chief minister. One minister nominated by the CM will be its co-chairperson and another minister deputy chairperson. Two ministers nominated by the chief minister will be ex-officio members.

The chief secretary, secretaries of industries, labour, energy, finance, environment and climate, change, revenue, forests departments will be ex-officio members of the authority.
The Director General of the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Gadchiroli Collector will also be ex-officio members of the authority. Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Mining Corporation Ltd will be its member secretary
The objective of the authority shall be to expedite the process of development of major and specified minor mineral blocks in the Gadchiroli district.

The new body will coordinate between various mineral concession holders and mineral-based industries. It will also facilitate setting up of ultra mega steel plants and ensure supply of iron or raw material to them.
The bill also aims to develop Gadchiroli as a steel hub. The authority will take measures setting up mineral-based industries in the district, which long faced Naxal menace.