Centre Pauses New Mining Leases Until Sustainable Mining Framework Is Finalised

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the government will not grant any new mining leases in the ecologically sensitive Aravalli hills and range until a comprehensive Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM) is prepared for the entire landscape. His statement comes amid ongoing debate and controversy over changes to the legal definition of the Aravalli area and its implications for mining activity. The decision follows a Supreme Court order that accepted recommendations on a uniform definition of what constitutes the Aravalli hills and range specifically for mining regulation, and directed the Environment Ministry to prepare the MPSM through the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). Until this plan is finalised, no fresh mining leases will be issued, and existing operational mines must adhere strictly to environmental safeguards and Supreme Court directives. Yadav emphasised that misconceptions about the government “relaxing” protections are unfounded, and rejected criticism that the revised approach opens up most of the Aravalli region to exploitation. He reiterated that the definition is meant to standardise protections and strengthen oversight, not dilute environmental safeguards, while accusing political opponents of spreading misinformation. The move reflects the Centre’s stated commitment to balancing environmental conservation with sustainable resource use, stressing that the Aravalli range’s ecological functions—such as biodiversity support and groundwater recharge—must be protected. The MPSM is expected to be placed in the public domain for consultation once prepared, with the aim of identifying ecologically sensitive zones and outlining restoration and rehabilitation measures before any future mining activity is considered.