News on Mines

GO on rehabilitation over bauxite mining raises several questions

2011-05-05T16:05:00.000+05:30

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

GO on rehabilitation over bauxite mining raises several questions

Santosh Patnaik

What surprises many is the fact that a panel has been set up without completing detailed evaluation

VISAKHAPATNAM: The State Government has formed a 10-member committee, headed by the District Collector, to look after rehabilitation necessitated by the proposed mining of bauxite ore in and around Jerella area near Chintapalle, raising many an eyebrow.

The clearances issued for bauxite mining for Jindal South West Holdings Limited and Anrak Aluminium Limited floated by Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority and Penna Group were put on hold in August 2010 following a directive from the Ministry of Mines.

Minister's orders

The then Union Minister for Mines, B.K. Handique, passed the orders in response to a representation by Araku MP V. Kishore Chandra Deo due to fears over threat to livelihood of locals and the environment.

In his order he said all clearances would be put on hold till a detail evaluation by a committee of experts by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

What surprises many is the fact that even without completing the detailed evaluation a committee has been set up, with officials and local representatives to take up rehabilitation issues.

A GO vide Ms. No. 40 constituting the committee was issued on May 3 on the recommendation of AP Mining Development Corporation.

The GO says that the Social Management and Rehabilitation Committee had been formed for Visakhapatnam to implement the social management and rehabilitation schemes in and around Jerella area.

The APMDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director stated that Indian Council of Forest Research & Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, had prepared EIA and Environment Management Plan for Jerrella Block-III bauxite mines and recommended constitution of the committee to sensitise/ensure implementation of rehabilitation activities, administer financial flow, prioritise activities, advise in project implementation mechanism of identified quantifiable criteria and indicators and monitor and evaluate them.

Rehabilitation packages

The committee would decide upon various economic rehabilitation packages and training programmes from time to time, keeping in view the needs of the people and ensure people's participation in various identified schemes.

Confusion

“The issuance of GO creates utter confusion at a time when the Central Government has put under abeyance all the clearances issued to bauxite mining projects.

It gives an impression that the State Government does not want to listen to voices of the civil society,”

Rebbapragda Ravi, executive director of Samata, the NGO fighting against mining in scheduled areas, told The Hindu on Wednesday.

He said that until the concerns expressed over threat to local communities, eco-system and other issues pending before the Delhi High Court were addressed, the APMDC should not take up mining.

Proceedings of mines, minerals and PEOPLE (mm&P) 3rd Annual General Assembly

2011-03-30T11:10:00.000+05:30

Proceedings of mines, minerals and PEOPLE (mm&P)
3rd Annual General Assembly
26th-28th February 2011
Gurudev Ashram, Bhatti Mines, Chhatrapur, New Delhi

Development Paradigm

Mr. Ravi Rebba Pragada e presented a brief depiction about the milieu of initiation of the alliance starting from the background of Samata Judgment and the increasing manifold of mining in future has lead to coming together in form of an alliance with discussions with Sridhar and other persons. There is huge money and profit and it is extractive as the recent Joint Parliament committee stated that the nation has large number of illegal mines in the country. When the issue was discussed in the past it was sure that mining will be a major threat in the Tribal areas impacting the lives of tribal’s. There was an ambiguity regarding the response of Govt on Samata judgment and way forward. Since 1997 various state and central Govt tried to modify Samata Judgment through judiciary intervention of Supreme Court. In 2001 the supreme rejected the moves, there is a major lobby against the tribal’s and the scenario of mining and displacement across the nation is crystal clear.
Towards the benefit of the companies and extracting the minerals in a destructive and adversely impacting the life’s of local tribal’s.
Mr. Sridhar in his key note narrated that the representation present here depicts various areas and varied mining zones. Alliance has entered into a second decade of journey. In this previous era the issue of mining was related to mines and minerals and the present economy and in this decade tenure there are movements on water, forest and land arena encompassing the rights niched around them. And has about rights enshrined in the national and international treaties, one has to understand the underpinnings of economy dependent on extractive economy. All these movements through light on the development process itself. It’s certainly necessary to understand mining in relation to development and one cannot segregate it as a disease which is fraction of the body which destructs the whole body and just thinking to remedy that element ignoring the rest. Mining is one issue of how we perceive development at the end of the day for example it is not the issue of climate change, unquestionably it needs a perceptual system change. This system of extraction was not visible in the past and this system will be beyond its resilience. The representation present here is have is an amalgamation of mine workers, people opposing mining ,cooperatives though looks contradiction is a continuing spectrum, there is wealth above mineral, for a miner the wealth above mineral is a waste and over burdened like soil etc and it has to be disposed and the local people are depended on that. And there are seldom evidences of that being utilized properly and exploited more rewardingly. And this called as Resource Curse and this provokes resistance against pre mining and in the mining areas for few Like in Angul with mining, Thermal Plants, where it’s a bread earning and for few they have face pollution there is abundant immigrants and cases of large number of unwed mothers in the world are found , a web of social and environmental problems are bring into being. And the mining closed areas like Kollar and Panna, where the mine pits are becoming death zones for the livestock and bothering the local communities. The voices of these victims and crushed by the mine owners in collation with the Govt personnel and alliance in the previous decade campaigned against this. The issue of for mining or against mining goes falls in the present development paradigm and we need to change this and in the coming intervening period one has to look the total phases of mining like pre, during and post and evolve strategies with a paradigm shift in the development.
New Ways
Mr. Vijay Kumar Secretary Ministry Of mines, Govt. of India, -In democracy the solutions are rooted in consultations by understanding various views and thinking and going forward with taking forward by internalizing the right views, and this should be the motive. The Govt has started thinking in new way. Narrating about the details of new proposed MMDR Act and new venues in enhancing and empowering the local communities was cited. This Act is a gesture in new way of thinking in the Govt regarding mining. Till date the mining did not follow the rules and regulations positioned in the Act and environment was not a concern as it be supposed to be a priority. This is a major lacuna, the status of environment, social and economic aspects is a grave concern. The mining should not take place where it is not necessary and where it has to be it should lead to minimal or no adverse impact on host populations and resources. And the local people should have ill feeling and consider it as resource curse, which should not happen. And this is failure on part of the Govt. The actions in the mining areas by the mining companies should assure minimal or no adverse effects on the local people regarding their adverse impact on health etc and ensure care and mitigate their consequence of their actions. The new legislation is a step towards overcoming these and improving the status of mining.
In many incidents the local people are unaware of mining activity in their areas till the demarcation is grounded. The new Act has the regulation of notifying the large area and notifying the people proceeding with prior Consultations with the communities with prior notification with these the concurrences with the communities have to emerge by proper implementation. In case of it’s a forest area the state Govt will follow the procedures of Forest clearances, previously the clearances are managed by the companies on their wish and will as it was left to them. This happened due to lack of transparency, leading to distrust at community and Govt. levels. The proposed Sustainable Development Frame Work (SDFR) envisaged in the Act is a mandatory. The companies are persistently monitored and fined if they are found to be doing adverse impact. The previous Act does not have powers to punish the companies indulged in adverse activities and little scope of lodging a complaint was found. And it is true that Govt. alone cannot do it especially at field level, even the field level staff are not capacitated to do that and it’s not necessary for Govt. machinery unaided has to perform it. The Act regulates the Panchayt Raj Institutions (PRI) in monitoring the companies. The companies have to disclose the mining plan include of mine disclosure plan and it is obligatory. Communities should be part of pressure enforcing groups along with PRI’s. The new one framed an independent Tribunal, regulatory body with judicial status, which has authority to take up trail on illegal, controversial plans and punish the concerned.
The new act is large and last year its placed in the web site and Ravi and Sreedhar are aware of the discussions on that with them, a group of Ministers are working on that and major changes have emerged. Hope it will be placed in the parliamentary budget sessions. The Act states about the criteria and procedures to be followed in mining but to mitigate the adverse impact of mining by the mining companies, the steps for mining are notified in the Act . Till now the companies paid royalty to the Govt and which in turn utilized for taking up welfare schemes. The schemes were implanted in other areas other than the mining cites leaving the mining locations in bad conditions. And the law has no space for readrrassal mechanisms for the locals as the power of usage of royalty lies in the hands of State, leaving aside of investing the royalty amount in putting support of developing the locals residing in the mining sites. The companies have discarded their responsibilities of reclothing after mining and adverse impacts, so that the host communities can continue living in that area.
For the first time this legislation which has no parallel in any part of the world, this one makes it a point to ensure that large amount of revenue generated will put back in the development of local host. This is the fundamental change that’s been done and hopes it will go through in the parliament. The host communities will share part of the fruits of mining that is accruing to many people from mine companies to downstream product manufacturers, to other dists. In the state and national exchequer and its time that local area enjoys these benefits if mining has to take place at all. The new Act paves a way new revenue stream that will remain within the Dist.The Royalty will be pooled as fund-pool in the dist and to be used for the welfare of local people’s development including infrastructure repairs, livestock etc and development of local needs. This will be monitored by the Govt officials, Mining lessee, representatives of local communities and wish organizations present here will be part of this. And hope this gesture will create remedy to the present situations.
Experience Sharing
Orissa
Mr. Bevan Naik from Vanvasi Chetra Mandal, Keonjar Dist of Orissa narrated that state has 37% mining, coal mines in Anbul Dist. Through the group they are fighting against Bauxite mining in the state. Kedarnath Arop from Star society for Tribal Rehabilitation shared the experiences. Orissa has Iron ore, Manganese, coal, the local tribal are working as labor in the mines but not benefited from it. The labor working in Orissa mining Corporation avail the social security benefits, whereas in Pvt. Companies it is rarely found. Campaigns are taken up in minimal mode and social activists did not get chance to raise their voice in Gram Sabhas. Activists are threatened and lured with bribes. Apart from the abundant mining (140 iron ore crushers)in Keonjadar Dist, cases of HIV affected are found, nearly 120 cases reported. 90% T,B, is in prevalence and medical care is not provided, we wish more number of NGO s get involved in this struggle.
Bihar
Mr. Santosh from Bihar posed the situation of Bihar by stating the ownership of minerals right from Kautilya ArthaSastra, the recent situation of kidnapping of the Collector in Orissa and the linkage of it with mining scenario. In Sasaram 400 crushers are operation adversely affecting air and depletion of ground water due to the existing mineral water plants. And cases of occupational health like Silicosis are found which are cited as cases of T.B. in the official medical reports. Campaigns are initiated against these and aspired for mm&P support on these fronts.
Jharkhand
Mr. Iswar from Godda Dist of Jharkhand started the sharing from Jharkhand. The area has abundant open cast coal mines and stated the process of privatization to nationalization and present situation. The mineral concession rules the process adopted of information gathering through RTI, the dubiousness in lease periods and construction of permanent infrastructure against the rules. Encroachment of grave yards and destruction of roads is usual scene found now
Munni Hansda from Santal Pargana narrated that the movement is going on since 2005 and in the process few activists were imprisoned, youth are bribed. The machines for mining are placed in the forest areas and people protested against this. Added to this the harassment from green hunt personnel are mounting. Forest dwellers were harassed and anti mining activists were termed as Maoists. And in contrary company is projected as symbol of development.
Munni Hansda was also labeled as anti development, she cited that the support from the alliance and local people was versatile in withstanding the situation and sighted extra support from mm&P in future.
Kumar Chand from Kolhar region presented that the region has vast minerals including Gold, Bauxite, Coal, Iron Ore to one side and land and forests at other. Intervention of companies like Mittal, Jindal,Busala and Arsenic are emerging in rapid fashion for extraction of minerals. This is rampant from 2003 onwards, apparently acquiring land irrespective of censoring the existing land rights envisaged in Land Tenancy Act, PESA, fifth schedule prevalent in Chotta Nagpur and Santal areas. Local interventions by the activists include filing cases against this, concluded with seeking extended support to the local struggles from mm&P.
Mr. Bahadur of MajiPragana highlighted the significance of Gram Sabha and PESA proposed in strengthening it in support with the alliance.
Ms. Sanghamitra cited the situation of women and stated that benefits are not reaching to women in contrary they are facing more hardships. In case of children dropout rate is high and getting engaged in collection of coal. The moment is losing track through demoralization of the activists. Hence mm&P should study and take up initiatives in placing right racks.
Mr. Niranjan Singh from Dhumka dist also cited the rights of aboriginal tribes. Mr. Arun Anand placed the situation of the state, the inward projects like dams, companies, roads and mining are throughout the state which creates displacement in huge number. The formation of state inherently is for creating accessible location for promoters and creating divide and rule policy and owing to emergence of anti social elements, mm&P should be a platform for the affected ones, suggested that the respective states should emerge with their own plans to overcome the identity crisis.
West Bengal
Mr. Swaraj Das depicted the situation of moments against stone quarries and coal mining lead by the affected people which needs to be taken further with the support of mm&P.
North East
Fr. Philip explained the conditions of Assam while saying the prior situations he cited the changing tactics of companies in Goa in the grab of Sustainable development. And abuse of the word development. And the intellectuals are falling into the trap of corporate.
The awareness among students in Assam was initiated with screening of film ‘Buddha weeps at Jadugda’. In Nagaland almost every family is involved in mining. Uranium mining in West Khasi hills and people are unaware and vacating the villages. Illegal Karibiyanlong, illegal limestone and proposed mining in Dilia of Bhukajan dist are on augment. In Karibiyang the education is low and 15% literacy are major draw backs and pass rate is low. Students through RTI acquired information and filed a case in high court. He suggested that the strategies should
Concentrate on capturing the children and covering parents in the course.
Mr. Ravindranath furthered the scenario of North east narrated the disaster due to proposed dams in the area which originate in Tibet and join Brahmaputra. As such more than 100 dams are proposed which entail material from the hills for construction of it, leading to destruction of the hill ranges. The rapid spread of hard rock mining in Himalayan range is causing soil, rocks, pebbles erosion inundating the prime agriculture lands with silt and resulting in decline and unproductively of agriculture area. Campaign against this has been taken up and three major political parties have made this as agenda and involvement of students is hand in glove to the campaign. The proposed Uranium mining might not be taken up, the Lafar issue is been stopped by Judiciary intervention. In this area the local struggle requires suggestions from the alliance.
In the conclusion the chairperson Mr. Ravindranath key issues emerged in the presentations as…
• The existing Acts are not visible on the ground and the movements based on Acts are getting threatened.
• Govt. is hand in glove with the companies.
• Even majority of the parliamentarians are in support of the companies
• The movements should embrace land struggles
• Govt is falling in implementing the welfare schemes related to health, education, water etc..
• Land acquisition has become easy to furnish the requirements of companies
• Increase in labeling as anti development of activists and imprisonment on false charges
• The struggle should have local base and support and furthered to various levels.

Uttar Pradesh
The Representations from U.P. cautioned about the adverse impacts of mining in the state and established that few NGOS are involved in campaigns against this.
Himachal Pradesh
The representations from H.P. substantiated that the mining situation is different from other parts. Mining for stones, limestone is rampant for cement industries, leading to degradation of grazing areas, impacting decrease in milk production, depletion of rivers, ground water and sources for irrigation projects. The mining areas are not following the prescribed rules and Govt failed to monitor this. Due to this struggle is found to be inevitable. The groups have invited officials from Central Govt for inspection of the situation.

• Suggestion for mm&P is to hold General Assembly in the states rather than in Delhi.
Adding to this Mr. Das quoted that Shivalik range are in dangerous range due to mining as the cement factories are placed at 4to 10,000 ft. companies include J.P. Ambuja including on the Chandigarh and Manali Highway. Similar situations are found throughout the state. The habitations situated below the foot hills are prone to threat. Judiciary interventions are taken up against ACC in Sundarnagar and ongoing struggles are visible, Rehabilitation and Resettlement is required in case of ACC and proper No objection certification is proposed from Central Govt.
• Consultations on this is suggested for mm&P
Abundant crushers are prevalent in Manali, U.P. –Bundelkhand and in Chitrakot leading to heavy dust pollution, in Shankarghad silicosis is prevalent existence of stone quarries is adding to the problem and locals are unaware of the problem.

Madhya Pradesh
Mr. Yusuf Baig initiated the presentations narrating that different minerals are found in the state and are exploited where as the benefits are not reaching the locals, especially the poor. Since 1994 Pattar Kadhan Mazdoor Sangh is raising voice against mining and in recent three years mm&P has gained position in the area. In Panna area the impact of sand mining is prevalent in 10kms radius and resulting in depletion of pastures for livestock proving to decline in milk production. The abandoned mines are not reclothed and Govt declines response on the matters. The PKMS in association with mm&P has submitted memorandum to the local Dist. collectorate on occupational health aspect wherein 500 workers are affected. Prior to this a rally was organized in Bundelkhand followed with a meeting. Mr. Sridhar from mm&P also participated in the event. The govt. has responded to few of the demands the rest are in pipeline. Meeting on MMGDR was held, the PMKS along with Environics Trust and mm&P has intervened in Panna Tiger Reserve on the issue of R&R to the locals and was successful in gaining due rights to affected people, including 18yrs youth. Right to Food campaign was also taken up in the area and the demands were gained. Chambal area has more 100 stone crushers. In Panna Muslim women’s conference was organized and a night school for mine workers was initiated. A mining cooperative has not got further mining lease is, workers vs. owners, Diamond mining, closure of mines are stated as issues in the state.
Uttarakhand
Mr. Batti Singh briefed on the issues of Uttarkhand which have similar problems of Himachal. Surfacing of huge dams is furthering mining, especially soap mining and devastating the ecology. The upcoming Tourism resorts, roads, buildings in the region are an added problem to the state. The locals are migrating, approximately around 10 lakh populations are migrating per annum. The campaigners in Rudraprayag are blamed and imprisoned. At the borders of Nepal which is seized for public for inception of Dams is causing severe problems for Gujjars, due to decline in pastures. The streams and rivulets of Ganga are facing threat including the habitations situated on the banks. The Vanbhumi local forest management committees are deprived of their rights and proposed sanctuaries are other facet of the problems. He suggested the support from mm&P as
• Capacity building for local struggles
• Awareness campaigns to be taken up
• Studies on new mine sites
Representatives from Delhi and J&K shared similar experiences
The chairperson Mr. Gumaon Singh concluded with his experiences of approaching NEAC on cement mining for French based company and the kind of pressure posed on him by the companies including trying to bribe him. He mentioned that at any cost land should not be disposed at personnel level and narrated the involvement of women in the struggle in Himacahal which is a great assert. The sutra for a campaign and struggle as ‘Tan, Man and Dhan’and he suggested that govt is in favour of the companies but not for people.
• mm&P assembly should be held at state level
• Solidarity among the states has to be built
Mr. B.T. Venkatesh thanked one and all.

Maharashtra
This session was moderated by B.T.Venkatesh and chaired by Ms.Fatima and Br. Philip
The representatives narrated the issues pertaining to impact of stone quarries and said that most of the mines are illegal and existence of owner’s mafia in managing the mines. the campaigns resulted in accessing ration cards to the workers. They suggested that mm&P should play a role in building cordial relations between workers and owners and act as pressure group.
Goa
In case of Goa large numbers of mines are existing in a range of 2kms, 39to 45 mines are found within this proximity. They suggested that mm&P should extend legal support and build state wise team.
Gujarat
The mines are given permission in the wild sanctuary areas like Gir Forest in the state.
Rajashtan
The representatives from Rajasthan cited the situation of Rajasthan as problems existing due to State Vs. Central conflicts and issues pertaining to the welfare fund of the mine workers and the state denies the health hazard of silicosis and misguides as T.B... There are incidents of death which are misreported as death due to T.B. and in turn which happened due to Silicosis.
The members of Khan Mazdoor union approached the local officials for compensation, and held hunger strike for 8 days, the matter was s assured verbally and later the matter was assured in written. The issue was placed before the Human Rights Commission and similar struggle is taken up in M.P. and Gujarat. In April 2000 the NHRC has issued orders for Resettlement.
Mr. Rana explained the situation of contradictory approaches of state and central. Whereas leases are given by the state and enforcement of labor laws fall under the jurisdiction of central and very less officials are placed for large number of workers and inspection hardly takes place. These issues were brought into the notice of Govt. 160 persons were surveyed and 93 are unknown in occupational health matters. The information is seeked through RTI.
In March convocation on Rajasthan New Mineral Policy is organized. The representatives suggested that mm&P should take up the issues on Silicosis, pensions for women workers and widows.
Andhra Pradesh
Mr. Vijay Kumar presented about the mining situation in Rayalaseema area of A.P. and shared that due to Uranium mining depletion of ground water is increasing and disability and health problems are occurring. The diversion of water for mining is creating acute scarcity for potable water.
Mr. Punaiah has shared the struggle of KannedaraKonda Mining issue in Pulliputla Panchayat of Srikakulam Dist.
Mr. Rajendra presented about the issues of Vantada Mining in East Godavari dist of A.P. and this was stopped due to the struggle.
Tamilnadu
Ms. Fatima has elaborately presented about the fishermen situation in the state and the atrocities of the neighboring Navy authorities.
Mr. T.S.S. Mani narrated about the mining situation in Titupuri Dist and sand mining scenario and about the mining undertaken by Indian Rat Earth in 3 dists of the state. and suggested that cross learning of Jharkhand and Tamilnadu should take place.
Br. Philip highlighted the need for building solidarity from Hills to coastal areas.
Free Prior Informed Concern, (FPIC).
Mr. Sridhar introduced the session on Free Prior Informed Concern, (FPIC) the significance of FPIC, an international standard in law and can be used a powerful tool a reality in our hands, taken by Mr. RameshGopal Krishnan from Amnesty International.
Mr. Ramesh cited the experiences by means of the FPIC and its role in the campaigns. Many are un aware of the inception of the project in the concerned area and its impact. The only sources are Public Hearing and Environment Impact Assessment reported prior to the inception. In case of Schedule 5 PESA is a tool of prior information and Samata judgment. Through which locals have access to alter the plans. Unfortunately there is no Human Rights Impact Assessment. In case of Vedanta prior research was done which revealed similar situations and status of Dongria Community in Bauxite mining conditions. The FPIC invariably states denial of manipulations, threat and corruptions and prior information should be ensured. And it should be understood that information dissemination is a continuo’s process. The tribal’s should deny the project if the impacts are dangerous and have to be very cautious because the first consent of ‘YES’ generally considered as ‘YES’ forever. And if the PRI institution has contrary verdict to the community, then the verdict of the community view should be taken as priority than the previous. The views of community should emerge in consensus.
Mostly the monitoring setups are managed by Govt. and hardly community driven independent monitoring committees are found. Disposal of information is not much stated in MMDR Act and been stated in FRA-Saxena report also. And R&R issues are mainly dealt by the state. In case of Benefits sharing of 26% stated in MMDR Act the control mechanisms’ are evidently in the hands of the Govt and Dist administration and elaboration on further expansion of the projects and peoples rejection of the expansion has to be clearly envisaged these are to be in more detail and need to be placed in the Act. FPIC is tested in few places and international laws have to be used, higher level of standards, demands has to be chalked and it has to be used as strategy in struggle.
Social Licensing the Mines
The presentations were followed with presentations of Mr. K.B.Saxena. To begin with the realistic judgment of Niyamagiri and Posco, the case of mining in Karnataka is questioning the nation including the governance and it’s the question pertaining to development paradigm. The new mmdr act explicating the benefit sharing, FPIC are yet to be visualized. Growth and development has to be viewed in context with the latent objectives, the case of opposition in 6th schedule areas where the locals are opposing the mining the state and central have to oblige to the voices of the locals. One has to take into consideration of intergenerational equity aspects and also keep in view of the governance in context to the Panchayats and mining has to be approved by the local PRI’s. In the process of looking at GDP alone the people’s interest were ignored and resource federalism is increasing day by day. To control and manage this independent body has to be in place. The benefits should include land to land and infrastructure for which the capacities of the companies have to be enhanced.
Decisions on these involve actors like State, Central, technocrats, entrepreneurs, mine owners leaving aside the people who are adversely affected. Mining policy requires a paradigm shift with taking into consideration of people’s concerns and consent. the mining leases have to acquire technical and social licenses and for which peoples sanction is a must and the ongoing struggles have to have this as an objective. Mining achievement plan should have communities’ safety and their interests have to be integrated. Mine ownership should have the cooperatives of people and people should have the monitoring power with authority of decision and actions inclusive of benefits. The social and environmental impact assessment can be tools for social licensing. In case of governance on mining the judiciary labor laws are violated and the labor agencies are poor in their performance. The employee and employer laws are not followed and outsourcing is increasing, so the labor laws have to strengthened and have to have know how on mining, the mining inspection has to be recorded.
The struggles around land are wide spread and linked to sovergnity and eminent domains. The land acquisition should take into consideration of concerns the inadequacies of the law do not take common properties into consideration and 22 % of the incomes are derived from this areas and not in record though customary rights are legal and valid. he sale purchase contracts are inadequate ,land to land compensation is found to be not taking place, free acquisition is increasing and there should be minimum land acquisition with considerations of person interested, land and compensation paradigm. If the acquired land found to be unutilized for the purpose in 5 years it has to be taken back by the govt , and the non utilization of land should be paid back with due compensation, the mining companies are not responsible for pollution and degradation. The 1993, 2003 policies are revised in 2006 which opened the gates for liberalization. The extensions of mining areas have to make sure of clearing of the mess created Social licensing is envisaged in the new mmdr Act and it has to be ensured with clear responsibility of mining companies as responsible. Conversation and Utilization should be made a point of concern with sustainable rate of utilization. The contribution of mining in GDP is very small and the adverse affects are high, so undue importance should not be encouraged.
Empowering the community through the MMDR Act
Ms. Shanta Sheela Nair presented the dialogue with need for consultations between various stake holders and the solutions proposed in the new MMDR Act. The point of discussion is the affected ones have to be regarded as partners in mining and this can convert the disadvantaged as advantaged. And one has to look at the crucial point of loss of livelihood and new Act looks into these aspects. the adverse affects of mining are not totally under the gamut of mines ministry and the new Act gets it under the fold. This state about the sustainable development frame work. Closure of mining should be part at the inception stage and mining closure plan should be in public domains. The information possessed through RTI is part of the Act and hence this opportunity has to be tapped. The benefit sharing through 26% share is in form of community equity and elaborate discussions from the companies’ side were held and yet this is forwarded and the local’s have to utilize this as it’s a right for them. The cases of Bellary mines were elaborated as they exploited the situation through disposing the fine dust through luring the locals and exported to china where in the utilize it for steel production. And in mining the byproducts has to be looked seriously. 90% of mines are illegal and they are under the demise of legal frame work and the few resources remaining are at grave. The case of sand mining in Tamilnadu was utilized properly by mutual consent with Indian rare earths and the local fisher folk near KanyaKumari. The further approaches should include the integration of locals as partners, lobbying for the approval of the Act in the parliament and mm&P should be a member in the Mineral Advisory council and request for PRI representatives and mass propaganda about the Act.

Violations in the case of Kakarapalli Thermal Power station in Srikakulam District (AP)

2011-03-07T10:18:00.000+05:30

Violations in the case of Kakarapalli Thermal Power station in Srikakulam District (AP)

From the very beginning, there have been serious statutory and other violations in the case of Kakarapalli Thermal Power station in Srikakulam District (AP). These violations were fully known to the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), the State Government and East Coast Energy Pvt. Ltd. (ECEPL), the company setting up the project. All of them have complicity in abetting the violations to take place.

Violation 1:A thermal power plant should not be set up in a wetland:

1. The project site is located within Naupada-Kakarapalli Swamp which is a wetland as per the definition provided in paragraph 5.2.5(iii) of the National Environment Policy (NEP) of 2006, based on Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Conservation to which India is a party. Under Article 48A of the Constitution and NEP, MOEF is obligated to conserve wetlands. Wetlands support the livelihoods of fishing communities and others. They are rich in biodiversity. Their degradation will, as stated by Ramsar Convention, will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. No industrial project should be set up in such an ecologically fragile wetland. The decision to set up the power project there is ab initio illegal.
2. The fact that Kakarapalli site is a part of the Naupada wetland system is corroborated by information obtained under Right to Information Act from Forest, Revenue, Fisheries and Salt departments. The evidence in favour of this is overwhelming.
3. The swamp has the characteristics of CRZ as there is tidal action from the sea right up to Kakarapalli. The water in the swamp is used for salt harvesting.
4. The Kakarapalli swamp receives water from Garibula Gedda, Bheemapuram Gedda, Enugula Gedda, Sandemma Gedda and surplus water from Vamsadhara left Canal. The water flows through the wetland and drains into Bay of Bengal. It is estimated that 4-5TMC of water flows through this wetland. Around a thousand traditional fishing families have been exercising fishing rights in the wetland for generations. Around 4,000 families earn their livelihoods from salt harvesting.
5. The water inflows and outflows in the wetland are delicately balanced. Any obstruction to the water flowing there floods agricultural lands all around in 39-40 villages. Since even small obstructions to the water flows affect fishing and farming, a number of writ petitions were adjudicated in the past by the Hon’ble AP High Court to maintain the water levels in an equitable manner in the public interest. The reports submitted by the local Irrigation officials and Revenue authorities in this regard are a part of the official record that the district authorities submitted to the courts.
6. The State and the district authorities suppressed these facts in their reports to Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). Environment Clearance (EC) was obtained on erroneous grounds.

Violation 2: Expert reports on Kakarapalli ignored:

7. There have been several expert reports on the ecological significance of Kakarapalli Swamp. EAC’s own Sub-Group visited the site in July, 2008 and reported to EAC in November 2008 suggesting that the project should not be set up at the site in question. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) studied the site in September, 2008 and observed that the project would adversely affect the bird sanctuary. The report of a 2-member committee comprising Dr. Asad Rahmani & Dr. Asha Rajvanshi, deputed by the Standing Committee of National Wildlife Board (chaired by the Environment Minister himself) visited the site and submitted a report in December, 2009. Their recommendation that the project should not have been located at the site was accepted by the Standing Committee in December, 2009. NEAA member also visited the site in June, 2010 and came to the conclusion that the site was within a wetland. Since all these reports clearly came to the finding that the site was in a wetland, MOEF should have either desisted from issuing the EC or, at a later stage, rescinded it. These reports stood ignored.

Violation 3: Infringement of State Laws & regulations:

7. Under the State’s Neeru-Meeru scheme (a water conservation scheme), Memo No. 24140/Assn I(1)/2003-3 of 22-8-2003, such wetlands should have been placed in the Prohibitory Order Book (POB) and not diverted for industry. This was not complied with.

Violation 3: Public Trust Doctrine:

8. The Kakarapalli site is a public land of 3,333 acres area, of great ecological and livelihood importance. It supports rare species of migratory birds. The government’s role in the case of such lands is that of a trustee on behalf of the people. It should not have transferred the ownership and management of that land to ECEPL.

9. The Hon'ble Supreme Court held time and again that the government is only a trustee of such ecologically important lands and it should not divert them for private use and industry. As recently as on January 28, 2011, the court issued a direction to all the States, in Civil Appeal 1132/2011 in SLP © No. 3109/2011, not to divert any public land including government porampoke land for the industry and, if any such prohibited structure existed on the public land, it should be removed forthwith. This prohibition applies directly to Kakarapalli project.

Violation 4: Construction activity without prior environment clearance:

7. SO 1533 dated 14-9-2006 issued under sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 made it mandatory for the developer of a thermal power project not to start any construction related activity without prior EC. The rationale for this is that any activity that has the effect of disturbing the ground conditions will affect the environment impact appraisal by MOEF/ EAC and it will vitiate the process of appraisal to the detriment of the environment.
8. The company started leveling the wetland and interfering with the water flows without any prior permission under the above cited order and thereby vitiated the entire process of environment appraisal. Under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, no one including MOEF had the authority to relax this restriction. The EC given against this background suffered from such a serious statutory violation and should be treated as null and void. The State government, EAC and MOEF were parties to this violation.
9. Even under the State law, Water, Land and Trees Act of 2002, the company was not authorized to interfere with the wetland.

Violation 5: Deceptive assurance of surrender of 500 acres by ECEPL to secure EC:

10. The company gave the impression to EAC that it would surrender 500 acres and retain only 1960 acres to minimise the adverse impact on the ecology. On that false premise, EAC recommended issue of EC.

11. In fact, Clause 3(ii) of EC issued by MOEF stipulated that “the total land requirement for all the activities of the project including 35 acres for colony shall not exceed 1995 acres” The colony is in a nearby town, Tekkali. The net area is thus 1,960 acres as per this.

12. As soon as MOEF issued the EC, the same 500 acres of land was transferred unauthorisedly by APIIC to a benami company, Meghavaram Power. The latter tried to get a new power project of 500MW approved by the State government behind the back of MOEF. A public hearing was held in haste. When the concerned citizens pointed out to MOEF that the company had committed a fraud, the latter cancelled that project altogether. On this ground of fraud and deception alone, MOEF should have cancelled EC for Kakarapalli also. MOEF has remained silent despite several representations made to it.
13. ECEPL still holds more than 2,500 acres of land at the site in violation of its own assurance before EAC that it would not hold more than 1,960 acres. This is clealy a violation of the assurance given to EAC. EC should be rescinded on this ground.

Violation 6: Violation of NEAA’s conditions:

12. NEAA’s order dated dated 7-9-2010 stipulated as follows.

“No filling and raising of land beyond 1317 acres within wetlands of which 150 acres would be greenbelt”

“No activity in identified 483 acres of land which includes 8 acres of proposed pond near the temple”

13. As per this NEAA order, ECEPL should retain only 1,800 acres, whereas the company has, as already stated, more than 2,500 acres in its possession. This amounts to a violation of the order. An independent survey at the site will reveal the violations in respect of the conditions specified by NEAA.

Violation 7: Flooding of adjacent agricultural fields:

14. The leveling of the wetland and the construction activity was certain to divert water to the adjacent areas and flood around 20,000 to 30,000 acres of agricultural lands. This fact was brought to the notice of the State government/ MOEF/ EAC repeatedly but they chose to ignore it. The District Collector suppressed this fact in his reports.

15. On a half heated recommendation made by EAC, MOEF stipulated in Clause 3(v) of the EC as follows.

“Area drainage system will be prepared and implemented to ensure that the ecology of the area is not disturbed”

16. ECEPL constructed a bund to save its own site from water logging at the cost of the agricultural fields in 30 villages all around. A part of the bund is outside the site, which in itself violated the EC and the State law, Water, Land and Trees Act. It is an unauthorized construction that caused damage to the agricultural lands. It is a violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The company stands liable to be prosecuted for this serious offence. The EC should be revoked on this ground alone.

Misreporting:

The District Collector and the State Government suppressed the facts and misled MOEF right through the processing of this case to help ECEPL. MOEF and EAC also helped the company by ignoring the objections raised by the people.

(Forum For Better Visakhapatnam)

Raman govt attacked for mining scam

2010-12-10T17:07:00.000+05:30

Raman govt attacked for mining scam

Supriya Sharma, TNN, Dec 10, 2010, 02.09am IST

Tags:Raman Singh Govt|Pushp Steel And Mines|Chhattisgarh Assembly

RAIPUR: The case of Pushp Steel and Mines reverberated in Chhattisgarh assembly, as the congress party attacked Chief Minister Raman Singh, asking him to divulge the name of the owner of the dubious firm that had been granted coveted mining rights in the state in violation of rules. The congress alleged the firm is covertly owned by a senior BJP leader. The persistent uproar finally led the speaker to adjourn the assembly indefinitely.

Earlier this year, TOI had extensively reported how a one lakh rupee firm, formed in Delhi on 2 June 2004, applied for a prospecting licence for an iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh the same day, and was recommended not just a prospecting licence but a mining lease for the multi crore mine in Kanker district. Cancelling the grant, on July 20 this year, Justice S Muralidhar of the Delhi High Court observed, "it is inconceivable how such a company could be considered for grant of PL when the criteria laid down indicates that the applicant should have some prior experience in mining... How could a company within a few hours of being incorporated in New Delhi ... submit an application in Chhattisgarh on that very day for grant of PL and also satisfy the criteria for grant of PL?"

For long, political circles in Chhattisgarh have conjectured that the firm was merely a front for powerful politicians. But the state congress failed to take on the BJP government over the case, despite the high court's strictures, till last week, battling ire over 2G spectrum scam, Manish Tiwari, the party's spokesperson in New Delhi, launched a counter attack on BJP, dredging out cases where its state governments were embroiled in scams. Pushp Steel and Mines was one of the cases he pulled out. "Chief Minister Raman Singh should name the senior BJP leader who owns the firm," Tiwari said.

Responding to the accusations, in a press statement, the chief minister sought to invert the arguement. The state government had merely recommended mining rights to the firm, he said, it was the congress government at the centre that finally cleared the grant. The centre had also given the firm coal blocks in Madhya Pradesh. This meant the firm possibly had the backing of senior congress leaders, Raman Singh claimed.

"This is a feeble defence. The central ministry of mines merely gives formal approval to the recommendations made by the state. Chhattisgarh government signed a 400 crore rupee MoU with this one lakh rupee firm and misrepresented it as a worthy company in its letter to the centre. The onus is on Raman Singh. Why is he hiding the truth?" said Mohammad Akbar, the Congress MLA, who spearheaded the attack on the government in the assembly.

The blame game, many believed, has at least exposed the rot in the system. "If you notice, no longer is anyone contesting the fact that this was an ineligible sham company. Whether it is the BJP or the Congress, everyone accepts that the only reason it managed to gain access to mineral resources was since it had the backing of powerful people in the government, whether politicians or bureaucrats," said Sudeip Srivastava, activist and lawyer.

As per the registrar of companies, Pushp Steel and Mines Limited is owned by two brothers, Atul Jain and Sanjay Jain, small time businessmen who are based in the Ajmeri Gate area of New Delhi.

Experts believe this case is symptomatic of how state governments have misused their discretionary powers to grant mining rights to unknown dubious firms floated with no serious intent to enter the minng sector, but merely to acquire mining rights and encash them by selling the company or its shares, to make quick windfall gains. "If investigated and exposed, the mining loot in the country in recent years will far outstrip the spectrum scam," said Srivastava.

Why Pushp Steel did not deserve a multi crore iron ore mine
- poor capital base, just one lakh rupees starting capital
- no previous mining experience
- no income tax returns, mandatory to show applicant's financial worthiness
- no major investment made in five years since it signed MoU promising to set up a iron ore based plant worth 465 crores
- the government had arbitarily cancelled the prospecting licence granted to a Nagpur based firm for the same mine since it had failed to set up a plant after two years of signing MoU

Background note:

As reported in TOI on 2 Aug 2010
On June 2, 2004, two brothers, Atul Jain and Sanjay Jain, pooled together Rs 1 lakh in Delhi to set up a company, Pushp Steel and Mines Ltd. The same day, the company applied for a prospecting licence for an iron ore mine in Chhattisgarh, more than 1,000km away. The company had zero experience and almost no capital - both pre-requisites for a licence. But the state government recommended it not just a prospecting licence (PL) but also a mining lease for several iron ore rich pockets in the Halahadi range in Kanker district. Five years later, Delhi High Court held the grant "unsustainable in law". In a detailed order, on July 20, 2010, Justice S Muralidhar observed:"It beats imagination how a company incorporated in New Delhi on June 2, 2004, could have on that very day submitted an application in Chhattisgarh for grant of PL. Second, it is inconceivable how such a company could be considered for grant of PL when the criteria laid down indicates that the applicant should have some prior experience in mining."

Read more: Raman govt attacked for mining scam - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Raman-govt-attacked-for-mining-scam/articleshow/7073831.cms#ixzz17lDOyxC0

Q&A: Ravi Rebbapragada, forest rights activist

2010-09-07T04:47:00.000+05:30

Business Standerd

'Proposal for 26% share in profits may help'

Sreelatha Menon / New Delhi August 29, 2010, 0:15 IST

Ravi Rebbapragada, a forest rights activist, tells Sreelatha Menon the Vedanta logic should be applied to all areas where there is a conflict over land acquisition.

Is the environment ministry’s rejection of Vedanta’s application for bauxite mining in Niyamagiri a victory for the forest dwellers?

I am thrilled, but I would call it a real victory only when the approach of the NC Saxena committee, which upheld the right of forest dwellers to forests, according to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), is applied to all projects where FRA is being violated.

But even this is being projected as a victory of Rahul Gandhi rather than the rule of law. Does this mean FRA will be implemented only where Rahul Gandhi agrees to take up people’s cause?

It is true that our society is still in a rather feudal frame. It is more like an oligarchy rather than a democracy. When Rahul Gandhi first visited Lanjigarh, I asked him if he was moved by the tribal issue in Orissa because it was an opposition-ruled state and insensitive to the tribal issue in Andhra Pradesh as it was ruled by the Congress. I asked him to come to Andhra Pradesh to see the plight of the tribes being displaced by the Polavaram dam. It is our demand that he visit all conflict areas, including Polavaram. We have the largest tribal population in the world. He can’t ignore the injustice in Andhra where tribes, who form 90 per cent of the people, are being displaced in 300 villages that will be submerged by the dam.

So, you are admitting that FRA as well as the Samata ruling by the Supreme Court in response to your petition don’t work. Only individuals, or rather one individual, do?

Apart from law, there is social justice and common sense. These are missing. In spite of the law, Vedanta and the state government could do so much that was illegal. The Andhra Pradesh government has given affidavits in the Supreme Court in the Polavaram case saying the permission from the gram sabhas has been taken. It is a lie. Gram sabhas have not even been set up.

Would you still consider Vedanta a new beginning on the part of the Centre?
The government seems to be thinking that the development of tribes may remove Naxalism. It is mistaken.

Won’t tribal development remove Naxalism?

What do tribes want? They want peace. Naxalism is a political ideology while development is a need of the people and the duty of the government. The government has to deal with Naxalism in a political way, by demonstrating that democracy works. I was asked to leave tribal areas by Naxalites in 1997, soon after the Supreme Court gave the Samata judgement, which said tribal land could not be transfered. I asked them what was my fault. They said I was working with the system and I believed in the Constitution. This judgment would spread the feeling that the system was working. And if the system works, what will the ‘dadas’ do? That was their problem. The tibes may ask them that if they can go to the court, where is the need for violence?

How have states managed to transfer tribal land in spite of the Samata ruling?

In Andhra Pradesh, the government has given mining leases to the AP Mineral Development Corporation. In Orissa, the lease is with the Orissa Mining Corporation. They do this in every state. Samata ruling said states can set up projects but a private party can’t. So, the state, as a lease-holder, entered into an agreement with Anrak and Jindal South West Ltd in Andhra for bauxite mining, and Vedanta entered into an agreement with the Orissa Mining Corporation, and so on. In the Andhra bauxite project, our MP Kishore Chandra Deo has been arguing against it on our behalf. We have pointed out how the Guden Maripakala, the hills on which the mining is to be done, is a proposed biosphere reserve housing rare animal species like mouse deer and golden gecko and bisons.

Is there something wrong with FRA that the NC Saxena committee had to come to its rescue?

It is the way the states have understood and implemented it. They have looked at it as a patta-distribution exercise. Under FRA, forest rights committees have to be set up at the gram sabha level. In Andhra Pradesh, they have been set up at the panchayat level. They can have a maximum of 15 members, while the panchayats have over 50 gram sabhas.So, how can these be representative?

In Orissa, they have village-level forest rights committees. What went wrong with the gram sabhas in the Posco steel project? You were part of the panel set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to advise on the violations of law there.

When it comes to Posco and Polavaram, the states have chosen not to implement FRA as they want land. The law is an obstacle. In bauxite areas in Andhra Pradesh, forest rights committees have not been set up even at the panchayat level. On Posco, the Orissa government claims there are no eligible people, meaning other traditional forest dwellers who are covered by FRA. Our committee found that both other traditional forest dwellers and forest land existed and the former cultivated paan leaves on forest land. Besides, we found that the government had taken forest clearance after the gram sabha’s consent in neighbouring villages for a project of IndianOil. But when it came to Posco, they found these people ineligible. What does that mean?

Is clearance possible now in Posco?
We said FRA is incomplete. If they complete FRA, they may get a clearance.

What if gram sabhas say no? They are not going to say yes. No one will ever agree.
There is a saying that when you go to buy cattle, the seller puts the cow in water and shows you just the horns. Now, industry and the state are showing people only the horns. All information is not there. They are tricking us. The trend of development is very mean and cruel. If you tell the benefit to the people, they will agree. The proposal for a 26 per cent share in profits may help.

How can there be mining or power projects without conflict? If you go to gram sabhas for consent, no one will get an inch of land.
You have to rationalise mining. Don’t spread everywhere. Exhaust resources in one place. Go where there are less people.

So, what will all these companies do? Besides, there are people everywhere.
What is driving mining? It is pursuit of profit. If there are people, then include the people. Once miners start paying the environment costs, share profits, the number of players will fall. Profits are coming only from cheap resources. You get nothing for corn, but plenty if you sell corn flakes. So, you make profits from cheap resources. How can profits be infinite when resources are finite? Any development which leaves out people means trouble.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/qa-ravi-rebbapragada-forest-rights-activist/406170/

Demand for an impartial enquiry on Sompeta Police Firing

2010-07-22T18:22:00.000+05:30

E.A.S.Sarma
Convenor, Forum For Better Visakha Visakhapatnam
14-40-4/1 Gokhale Road July 22, 2010
Maharanipeta
Visakhapatnam 530002
Tel. Nos. 0891-6619858/ 9866021646

To

Shri K.Rosiah
Chief Minister
Andhra Pradesh

Dear Shri Rosiah garu,

Subject:- 2x660 (Phase-I MW) and 2x660 MW (Phase-II) MW - Coal Based Thermal Power Plant of M/s Nagarjuna Construction Company Ltd., at villages Gollagandi & Baruva, in Sompeta Mandal, in Srikakulam Distt., in Andhra Pradesh- Demand for an impartial enquiry

Ref.:-

My letter dated Dec 29th, 2009 addressed to you on the Sompeta project and Merchant Power Plant policy
Objections filed by Forum for Better Visakha (FBV) on 8-1-2010 before the District Collector, Srikakulam
My letter dated 4-2-2010 addressed to the District Collector, Srikakulam
My letter dated 8-2-2010 addressed to the District Collector, Srikakulam
A note prepared by me showing the misrepresentation of the facts by the District Collector, Srikakulam in his letter Rc. No. 1926/2009 E3 dated 3-11-2009 to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
Legal notice dated 1-5-10 issued by FBV to the Chief Secretary, DGP, District Coillector and others
Legal notice dated 11-7-10 issued by FBV to the Chief Secretary, DGP, District Coillector and others
My letter dated 11-7-10 addressed to the Chief Secretary, DGP, District Coillector and others
A Pamphlet printed by the Police at public cost and distributed to the villagers on 11-7-10
My letter dated 15-7-10

I had sent you all the referred correspondence in my earlier letter last cited. I suppose it is far too inconvenient for you to respond to that letter, as the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident at Sompeta did not give you a comfortable feeling as the elected head of the State.

What concerns people like me is the series of statements issued by the local police to the effect that the villagers involved in the incidents “preplanned” the violence, they were “armed” to create violence and the Sompeta movement was not a genuine one. The police even challenged the people to produce evidence to prove the involvement of NCC in the violent incidents. This will merely confirm the fears prevalent among the people that the government is hands in glove with the private company and they supported the company to start the construction work illegally, despite the fact that the company had failed to get the mandatory CFE from APPCB.

It is also strange that the police should place the burden of proof on the people rather than looking at the footage of the TV channels that did a commendable job of broadcasting the events to the entire nation. It shows how non-transparent are the local authorities and how prejudiced are they in favour a company that defied the law. The pamphlet cited at item (ix) should abundantly prove how the police did not hesitate to spend public money to help NCC in doing something that was patently illegal. If at all there was any "preplanning' in these incidents, it was the police and the NCC, along with the State Govt. and the District authorities, that planned this illegal entry into the

I am further surprised to listen to a statement made by the Home Minister that the police had no weapons on them at the time of the incident! It is far from the truth as the pictures I have enclosed will demonstrate. Perhaps the Home Minister was helpless as she had to depend on the coloured version given by the District Collector and the police!

I have attached here several pictures (which the police ought to have brought to your notice) that show that

the villagers who agitated carried no weapons with them
there were helpless women who were trying to ward off the blows
there were NCC’s employees wearing blue scarfs and blue head bands (so that the police may know who they were and spared from the roughing up)
some policemen carried rifles
By now, if the government and the district authorities had any compunction, they should have contacted all the TV channels and the printed media and obtained the coverage to arrive at the truth, rather than issuing unprofessional and coloured statements without any basis. I am concerned about the need to maintain the government's credibility as a public benefactor. The government should not act as an intermediary of a private company like NCC.

My intention is certainly not to ask the government to find fault with the local police alone. After all, they are only subordinates of the government and it is possible that they did what they did under duress. It is unfortunate that some of them, along with the people, have received injuries. I think that government should go all out and extend whatever help they need. My intention in writing this letter is to request you to direct the police not to issue apparently prejudiced reports pending an impartial enquiry.

If the government has a conscience (which I believe it has) and if the government is interested in arriving at the truth rather than being carried away by erroneous and biased police reports, the following announcements are necessary

Appoint an enquiry by a sitting Judge of the Hon’ble AP High Court to enquire into the circumstances that have led to lathi charge and firing at Sompeta. The enquiry should cover the formal and informal interaction on the NCC project between the CMO, the Ministers and the rest of the AP Secretariat and the District administration and the interaction between the District administration and the local officials during the last one year. The enquiry should indicate the civil, criminal and departmental liabilities of the leaders and the officials to enable the government to take action against them.
Request the CBI to investigate the sources of funds going into the merchant power projects and identify the culprits for the illegalities and the economic offences punishable under the law. In addition, the CBI should investigate the respective roles played by the CMO, the Ministers, the senior officers in the Secretariat, as well as the District officials, in cutting the corners and pushing through the NCC project for clearances at different levels, so that their culpability may also be determined
Pending the enquiry and the investigation, hold in abeyance the Merchant Power Project policy that is harmful from the public interest point of view and cancel the clearances already given in favour of NCC, East Coast Energy, Alfa Infraprop, Hindujas, NPC, Nava Bharat Ventures, Thermal Powertech Corporation, Reliance and other private power companies that resemble the NCC project as far as the irregularities and illegalities are concerned. Many SEZs and mining leases too come under this category.
Revamp the public consultation process for projects and ensure that the so-called “development” projects are not thrust on the people. Development is what the people want. Public consultation should be at the core of development. The Gram Sabhas and the Panchayats should be activated to render the process of consultation meaningful.
The private company seems to have deployed private persons who joined the police in roughing up the villagers. The govt. should fix the responsibility and initiate action against them.
The saga of Sompeta has been a series of fudging the facts by the District administration, the Dept. of Environment in the State and the EAC of MOEF (GOI). This is confirmed by the order issued by the NEAA. If the government continues to deny this without any basis, its credibility in the public eye will get eroded. I hope you will realise this sooner than later. To divert public attention from the main issues by issuing unjustified and uncorroborated statements by anyone in the government will only worsen the unfortunate situation created by the government. It will be counter productive.

I hope that this letter does not meet the same fate as my previous letters. Of course, I am marking a copy of this letter to the press. I feel that there is need for a wider debate on these issues.

Yours sincerely,
E.A.S.Sarma
Former Union Power Secretary

Appeal by people of Sompeta to stop Nagarjuna Construction Company Thermal Plant at precious water body known as “beela” amidst a 1.5 lakh population living in an abundantly fertile area

2010-07-22T18:19:00.000+05:30

Shri K.Rosiah
Chief Minister
Andhra Pradesh

Dear Shri Rosiah garu,

Sub: Appeal by people of 30 villages to stop establishment of 2640 MW thermal plant by Nagarjuna Construction Company Ltd on precious water body known as “beela” amidst a 1.5 lakh population living in an abundantly fertile area in Sompeta mandal of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh - intervention sought

This is a plea by residents of over 30 villages in Sompeta, Kaviti and Kanchili mandals of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh seeking your immediate intervention to stop the proposed establishment of a 2640 MW coal based power plant by Nagarjuna Construction Company Limited (NCC). We make this appeal because if the thermal plant comes up it will devastate the lives of thousands of farmers and fisher-folk, in two towns and over 30 villages, as well as destroy an area which has significant ecological value.

The NCC thermal plant is proposed to be constructed in an extremely precious water-body known locally as “beela” abuts the sea and is close to the Eastern Ghats in Sompeta mandal. This wetland occupies over 4000 acres stretching from Baruva in Sompeta mandal to Kapaasuguddi in Kaviti mandal, a length of about 20 km. Of the 1882 acres (762 hectares) handed over to the NCC, the “beela” is of extent about 1200 acres.

This “beela” (“peddha beela”) is a low-lying swamp area with a unique habitat, serving as a rich biological wetland with high ecological importance. It is part of perhaps the last surviving marshy stretches in Andhra coast and they are an integral part of the surface-cum-marine ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna apart from providing livelihood to thousands of families in the area. The “peddha beela” wetland is linked to two other wetlands -- the “china beela” and the “tampara” near idduvanipalem where it finally joins the sea. The thermal plant will surely destroy the bio-diversity of the swamp.

The whole area is abundantly fertile. The area around the proposed plant has a population of about 1.5 lakh consisting principally of agriculturists and fisher-folk. Significantly, water from the “beela” is the lifeline for a two-crop paddy in an extent of not less than 5000 acres in the area. Three lift irrigation schemes from the “beela” sanctioned by the present government are also functioning.

For many of the fisher-folk, belonging to Manikyapuram village of Kanchili mandal, the “beela” is the only source of livelihood as they do exclusively inland fishing. Fisher-folk from Kaviti mandal are also leased out fishing rights by the fisheries department every year. The kandra and agnikulakshatriya fisher-folk communities will have their livelihood robbed if their access to the “beela” is taken away.

It is largely because of the “beela” that the groundwater table in the region is healthy and there is no water crisis for either domestic or farm usage. It is preposterous on the part of revenue officials and project proponents to have described the area as “wasteland unsuitable for cultivation”!

The “beela” also serves as a huge grazing area for sheep and cattle. Apart from this, hundreds of families eke out a living making mats from the grass obtained in the “beela”. It is also used as roof-top material and animal fodder. The “beela” and the area surrounding it is also home to rare medicinal plants like “aswagandhi” and “sarpagandi” as well as the well-known “eclipta alpa” which is used extensively to treat jaundice.

We must mention here that vegetables grown in the area, particularly from villages like Benkili and Jinkibhadra in Sompeta mandal and Mandapalli in Kanchili mandal are well-known. In fact, a “best vegetables” award was handed over to people of these areas by the then prime minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru in 1956. All these villages are within a radius of 500 metres to 3 km from the proposed thermal project site.

Moreover, the “beela” is a bird habitat for about 120 species. Every year in the month of October thousands of birds from Australia and Siberia, known locally as “kondamkodi and nathagotta”, visit the area for about six months. They use the “beela” as a nesting and feeding habitat. This is an important migratory route and passage migrant place. The area is also home to several wild animal species known locally as “varudu and peddhanakka”. The “pamula metta” in the “beela” contains many varieties of snakes. It is astonishing that this fact has been glossed over by the forest department!

We strongly believe that a thermal plant will upset the fragile ecology of the entire area that stretches into the nearby Eastern Ghats rising in which is the Mahendragiri hill, the highest peak in the range. Baruva, Sompeta, Kaviti and Kanchili are places of religious importance. The famous Sri Kotilingeswara Swamy, Budalingeswara Swamy and Janardhana Swamy temples, to name a few, are located here.

Abutting the “beela” is the magnificent Uddhanam (Udhyanavanam) area, known for its beautiful coconut groves and large extents of cashew, jack fruit and mango. Indeed, this pristine area is referred to as a “mini-Kerala”. There is also a coconut nursery and a coir industry here. Over 600 families from the segidi community eke out a living from toddy tapping in and around the Uddhanam area

The coast here is home to a vibrant and hard-working fisher-folk community living in over 20 villages. If the thermal plant comes up in the area, it will severely undermine marine catch and make life miserable for them. We know this from earlier experiences of fisher-folk living in the vicinity of the NTPC thermal plant and several other highly polluting industries in Visakhapatnam district.

The environmental public hearing for the NCC thermal plant that was held at Gollagandi village on 18-8-2009 witnessed an overwhelming majority of people strongly opposing the proposal. Cutting across community, class, occupation and political party’ lines, people of the three mandals have been organising countless rallies, dharnas, postcard and other peaceful campaigns against the thermal plant proposal since several months. In fact, a totally voluntary bandh was observed in Sompeta, the mandal headquarters on August 21. Such is the strong sentiment among the local people against the setting up of the plant.

We state categorically that we are not against development. We are all for it. But we are of the firm opinion that this thermal plant will not usher in development. Rather, it will destroy whatever development we have. It will devastate the lives of thousands of families from the farming and fisher-folk communities as well as throw into deep distress landless labourers and artisan classes.

In case the thermal plant comes up, it will cause irreversible damage to an eco-system of great value that we all need to preserve for future generations. The land here, the coast and our “beela” has supported and sustained the livelihood and economy of innumerable farmers and occupational classes. The location of the project directly conflicts with both livelihood and conservation objectives. Is it at all necessary to set up such a plant amidst lush greenery and in the midst of a population of about 1.5 lakh people?

We strongly urge you to intervene and ensure that the proposal to set up the thermal plant in Sompeta mandal is dropped.

Yours truthfully

Dr. Y.Krishna Murthy
President
Paryavaran Parirakshana Samithi
Sompeta
Srikakulam District

State ignoring livelihood of mining-affected people' - Samata and Research Unit for Livelihoods and Natural Resources hold workshop

2010-04-29T15:24:00.000+05:30

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

‘State ignoring livelihood of mining-affected people'

Special Correspondent

Samata and Research Unit for Livelihoods and Natural Resources hold workshop

VISAKHAPATNAM: The State government is keen on going ahead with mining bauxite in the Visakha Agency area and preparations are on to establish aluminium refineries along with smelter plants and thermal power stations in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, but the impact of the two activities on the livelihood of the communities to be affected has been totally ignored.

This is the conclusion arrived at by participants at a workshop on ‘Bauxite mining in Eastern Ghats: mapping the livelihoods of affected communities' organised by a city-based NGO Samata and the Research Unit for Livelihoods and Natural Resources (RULNR) of the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) of Hyderabad here on Friday.

The CESS made a study at the areas of Anrak company's refinery at Makavaripalem and Jindal South West Holding Limited's plant at Boddavara in S. Kota mandal of Vizianagaram district, and the bauxite mining area for the S. Kota plant in Anantagiri and Araku Valley mandals. It could not conduct the study in G.K. Veedhi mandal, where the mining area meant for the Anrak plant is located, due to Maoist problem.

M. Gopinatha Reddy of CESS gave a detailed power-point presentation on the findings of the study, and a British researcher Patrick Oskarsson discussed how the proposed refineries and mining would affect the people of the area. People from the affected areas also participated in the discussion. Executive director of Samata Ravi Rebbapragada presided.

People living in the Jindal refinery area were mostly girijans, though they were not in the scheduled area and 60 per cent of them were daily wage earners and 21 per cent were dependent on agriculture. In the mining area meant for this plant, all were girijans and 57 per cent were dependent on agriculture and 25 per cent on daily wages as labourers.

In the Anrak refinery area, 68 per cent were dependent on wages and 22 per cent on agriculture. Women in all the areas were mostly illiterate but take a major share in the economic activities, except being employed. However, like in any R&R package, the women got a raw deal, said the survey.

Tribals being mostly dependent on land would be more affected due to mining.

Land had been acquired for the two refineries. Many families had lost their land and received compensation in full in the Jindal plant area and partially in the Anrak plant area. The affected people had spent the compensation money on unproductive activities like clearing loans, celebrating ceremonies at home, etc.

Girijans from the proposed mining area were upset that the Forest Land Regularisation Act, under which the tribals cultivating land in the Scheduled areas must be given pattas, was not being implemented in their areas.

‘People in the dark'

While Shanti from Jerrela said people in her area had no idea about mining and that they were facing police harassment continuously, former MLA G. Demudu said the government was keeping people in dark about what it was going to do.

Bauxite mining will ruin tribal life: Cess

TNN, Apr 11, 2010, 05.39am IST

HYDERABAD: Even as the state government is going ahead full steam with its plan to begin mining the huge bauxite reserves in the Agency areas of Visakhapatnam district, a recent study by the Centre for Economics and Social Sciences (Cess) has become the latest to warn that such a move would be a human as well as environmental disaster.

The Cess study, which was completed about 10 days ago, held that majority of the tribal people affected by the mining will lose their livelihood and that despite promises by the state government, the illiterate tribals are unlikely to get jobs in the highly mechanised bauxite mining units. In all, 270 villages comprising tribal populations belonging to the Bhagata, Khond, Konda Reddi, Samantha and other communities will be displaced, it said.

The state government recently signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Jindal Southwest Holdings Limited and Ras Al Khaima (from UAE) respectively to carry out bauxite mining in the Agency area and the issue had rocked the state assembly for two consecutive days during the budget session.

The study titled "Bauxite Mining in Eastern Ghats: Mapping of Livelihoods of Affected Communities" conducted by Cess in collaboration with Samata, a tribal organisation, brought into focus several investigations into the controversial mining activities in the region that voiced concern over the disastrous impact of bauxite mining.

According to government estimates, there are 1,000 million tonnes of bauxite reserves in the 24 hills spread over an extent of 384 kms from Anatagiri in Visakhapatnam district to Gurtedu in East Godavari. The Cess study is the latest in a series of reports that have been warning against undertaking the mining of the bauxite reserves.

As early as in 2001, a report by Tata Energy Research Institute (Teri) had said that if the mining is undertaken, at least 10,000 trees will have to be pulled out and that the state will lose Rs 1,520 crore in terms of environmental degradation like soil erosion. Teri had also warned that the mining seriously threatened the Girija lifestyle and the eco-system of the Eastern Ghats.

In the latest study, Cess has challenged the state government claims on the mining activity providing employment to the tribals. Mines and geology minister Sabita Indra Reddy had claimed in the budget session that the mining would provide direct employment to 3,000 people and to 10,000 others indirectly. The mining units would be heavily mechanised and hence would require the minimal of human labour, it said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5783479.cms

Ministry calls for regulating mining of minor minerals

2010-04-29T15:14:00.000+05:30

Ministry calls for regulating mining of minor minerals

29 Apr 2010, 0327 hrs IST,ET Bureau

NEW DELHI: The ministry of environment and forests has recommended bringing the mining of minor minerals under a “simple but strict” regulatory regime to limit its adverse environmental impact. The recommendations are aimed at curbing illegal and unregulated mining of minor minerals such as marble, stones used for making household utensils, slate and shale, sandstone, saltpeter and boulder.

Serious ecological degradation resulting from the virtually unregulated mining of minor minerals has been a cause of concern. The Supreme Court had, in the context of mining of minor minerals in the Aravallis, asked the ministry and the state government to step in to stem the damage.

In March 2009, a group was constituted by the ministry under the chairmanship of the environment and forest secretary to look into the environmental aspects associated with mining of minor minerals. The group, which submitted its report in March this year, has recommended measures to ensure that regulatory aspects and environment mitigation measures are integrated in the mining of minor minerals. Reexamining the classification of minerals into minor and major, uniformity in size of mines across the country, a minimum five-year period for mine leases, cluster approach for mines, plan for reclamation and rehabilation of mined areas, uniform minor mineral concession rules are among the steps suggested to ensure scientific and sustainable mining.

In India, the classification of minerals into minor and major is done on the basis of end-use. The global practice for such a classification is based on level of production, mechanisation, export and import. In terms of economic cost and revenue, the total value of minor minerals is about 10 per cent of the total value of mineral production.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Ministry-calls-for-regulating-mining-of-minor-minerals/articleshow/5870527.cms

08-01-09

2010-01-08T17:39:00.000+05:30

Mining – India

1. Ministry of Environment and Forests
2. Mines gobbled up 10000 hectares of forests
3. Govt to sell stakes in 60 state-run firms: Official
4. Bangalore : Hutti Gold Mines Targets 2,578 kg Gold Production Target
5. Mittal, Uttam Galva to build steel plant
6. Top firms eye Karnataka's Gold
7. Mines task force withdrawal in Orissa raises eyebrows

Mining – International

8. Canada may push for soft policy for India-bound cos
9. Experts Urge Officials To End Mountaintop Mining
10. Saracen starts gold mining at WA dam

Other News

11. Govt projects may put endangered wildlife at stake
12. Reflections by comrade Fidel
13. THE WORLD HALF A CENTURY LATER

Mining – India

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Ministry of Environment and Forests

Diversion of Forestland
________________________________________
11:48 IST
Factsheet

Under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, on the request of the concerned State/UT Governments, the Union Government has diverted forestland for lease allowing mining activities. Since the enactment of the Act, a total of 1309 cases have been approved under various categories of mining. This involves diversion of about 1,00,871 hectare of forestland

Annexure
Category of Project: Mining As On: 27.11.2009
S. No. State / UT Approved
During the Period: 25.10.1980 to 31.12.2004 Approved
During the Period: 01.01.2005 to 27.11.2009

No. of cases Area (in ha) No. of cases Area (in ha)
1 Andaman & NicobarIsland 8 19.59 0 0
2 Andhra Pradesh 127 12869.27 36 2889.43
3 Arunachal Pradesh 5 53.25 7 7.00
4 Assam 43 103.06 33 50.72
5 Bihar 9 417.57 0 0
6 Chandigarh 0 0 0 0
7 Chhattishgarh 59 12843.65 34 2079.09
8 Dadar & Nagar Haveli 0 0 0 0
9 Daman & Diu 0 0 0 0
10 Delhi 0 0 0 0
11 Goa 39 1530.39 7 184.18
12 Gujarat 52 9761.08 1 31.20
13 Haryana 0 0 0 0
14 Himachal Pradesh 36 945.25 9 248.73
15 Jammu & Kashmir 0 0 0 0
16 Jharkhand 92 8867.74 3 97.66
17 Karnataka 109 8401.06 25 2196.94
18 Kerala 1 29.20 0 0
19 Lakshdeep 0 0 0 0
20 Madhya Pradesh 119 9314.86 15 1061.36
21 Maharashtra 88 2372.75 9 848.13
22 Manipur 0 0 0 0
23 Meghalaya 0 0 0 0
24 Mizoram 0 0 0 0
25 Nagaland 0 0 0 0
26 Orissa 119 13996.37 20 1278.46
27 Pondichery 0 0 0 0
28 Punjab 0 0 1 1.66
29 Rajasthan 141 4310.08 2 1150.00
30 Sikkim 0 0 1 4.64
31 Tamil Nadu 24 351.85 4 11.45
32 Tripura 3 4.52 4 8.05
33 Uttar Pradesh 5 2006.44 0 0
34 Uttaranchal 14 247.72 0 0
35 West Bengal 5 276.91 0 0
Total 1098 88722.61 211 12148.71

Grand total = No. of cases - 1309; Area – 1,00,871 hectare
KP

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56668

Mines gobbled up 10000 hectares of forests

Express News Service
First Published : 08 Jan 2010 07:37:06 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Jan 2010 09:07:57 PM IST

BANGALORE: Around 10,500 hectares of Karnataka’s forest land have been diverted to mining, since the enactment of the Forest Conservation Act 29 years ago, says a statement released by the union ministry of forests, ecology and environment.
The statement, which was released on Thursday, also informs that since the Act came into effect, as many as 134 mining leases in the state have been approved the Centre.
The ministry says that there hasn’t been any large scale illegal felling of trees reported in the past decade from any states.
But for development activities, forest areas have been diverted involving felling of trees, the statement says.
Since 2000, around 12,729 hectares of forest areas have been diverted for development activities, involving felling of trees.
Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde says it is a welcome initiative on the part of the union ministry to have revealed the extent of forests diverted for mining in the state.
However, he said, it must have been a ‘small official figure’ that the ministry received from the state forest department.
Hegde said, “There are a large number of areas which are being illegally used and mined, with the knowledge of the local forest department.” Hegde said that the irony was that though the forest department knew about it, it was doing nothing.
m feedback@expressbuzz.com

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Mines+gobbled+up+10000+hectares+of+forests&artid=NIGOrmfsA10=&SectionID=7GUA38txp3s=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=zkvyRoWGpmWSxZV2TGM5XQ==&SEO=

Govt to sell stakes in 60 state-run firms: Official
7 Jan 2010, 1518 hrs IST, REUTERS

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NEW DELHI: The finance ministry is in talks with other ministries to sell stakes in about 60 state-run firms in coming years, including miner

Hindustan Copper Ltd, a senior official told Reuters on Thursday.

"(Hindustan Copper) is one of the companies in which government is considering to sell its stake," Sunil Mitra, who is in charge of disinvestment at the finance ministry, said in a telephone interview.

Media reports have said the company's board has already approved up to 20 per cent of its stake sale in the fiscal year that starts in April 2010.

A 20 per cent stake in the firm will be worth about $1.15 billion based on the stock's current price.

In November, the Indian cabinet approved a proposal to sell at least 10 per cent government holding in state-run firms and use the proceeds for social schemes until March 2012, to cut its fiscal deficit.

The mines ministry must send a proposal to the finance ministry after the company gets approval from its board. Then, India's cabinet must give its approval for the company to tap the market.

"No proposal has been received as yet for 20 per cent stake sale in Hindustan Copper (from Mines Ministry)," Mitra said.

The Indian government holds about 99.6 per cent in the copper producer.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/Govt-to-sell-stakes-in-60-state-run-firms-Official/articleshow/5420200.cms

Friday, January 08, 2010 7:31:52 AM (IST)
Bangalore : Hutti Gold Mines Targets 2,578 kg Gold Production Target

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Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Jan 8: With the prices of yellow metal climbing to dizzying heights and skyrocketing more often, the Karnataka government owned Hutti Gold Mines Co Ltd (HGMCL) has set for itself an ambitious target of producing 2,578 kg of Gold during 2009-10.
The HGMCL, the only government-owned gold extraction company in the country, aims to produce an average of 4.11 gram of the yellow metal per tonne of ore.
The state government undertaking had produced 2420.33 kg gold in 2008-09.
The company would be investing Rs 352.11 crore in the next five yeas on various expansion plans.
According to state excise minister M P Renukacharya, said the company was planning to enter joint ventures with National Mineral Development Corporation, Indo-Australian Company, Australian firm Cluff, and Deccan Mines to commence mining in Davangere, Tumkur, Gulbarga, Chitrdurga Shimoga and Dharwad districts where gold minerals are found.
Renukacharya, who is also the chairman of HGMCL, said the company, which is producing 7 to 8 kg of gold daily, has set a target to earn net profit of Rs. 98.21 crore in the current fiscal year against Rs 93.05 crore in 2008-09.
The company’s total turnover in 2009-10 is expected to reach Rs 319.78 crore against Rs 316.02 crore in the previous year.
The minister said the company has been extracting 4.11 gram of gold per tonne of ore against with an average recovery of 4.24 grams a tonne of ore in 2008-09.
The company, which has 3933 employees, would be investing Rs 352.11 crore in the next five years at its plant at Hutti in Raichur district. It has decided to invest Rs. 68.22 crore on new snag ball mill which is scheduled to complete January-end.
The existing capacity of the ore milling unit is expected to be expanded to 2,000 tonnes per day when the ongoing work in the new milling plant (Snag Ball Mill) would be completed.
As of now, about 90 per cent of the building work on the plant and the assembling of the milling plant have been completed.
Apart from the reopening of the defunct Gray Shaft at the south-end of the mining area at a cost of Rs 16.32 crore, Renukacharya said the company proposed to computerise the existing mechanical system for controlling the whole operation of mining and milling units at an estimated cost of Rs 2.77 crore.
The HGMCL has set a target of extracting gold ore from a depth of 28,000 feet by the end of 2012.
It also proposed to take up underground mining activity at the Ooti and Hira-Buddinni areas once the open cast mining comes to an end.
Officials said Rs 204 crore would be invested on setting up of a new shaft at Hutti and the tender process has been commenced. A sum of Rs 14.85 crore would be spent on Ooti Gold Unit (open pit mine) development and Rs. 25 crore on ore milling unit.
The company has set apart Rs 12.09 crore to take up gold mining in Chitradurga, Davangere and Shimoga districts, where the preliminary survey work has been completed.
It has also launched a programme to expand the wind power plant at Chitradurga at an estimated cost of Rs 8.86 crore. Of the 18 MW planned, a plant with a capacity of 9.3 MW has been functioning, he added.

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=70602&n_tit=Bangalore+:+Hutti+Gold+Mines+Targets+2,578+kg+Gold+Production+Target

Mittal, Uttam Galva to build steel plant

Demand for galvanized and cold rolled steel will come from these sectors for the next 15-20 years, he said in a phone interview from London
Baiju Kalesh and Joel Rebello
Mumbai: ArcelorMittal Netherlands BV, through which Lakshmi Mittal controls the world’s largest steel maker ArcelorMittal, and which is buying a 29.4% stake in Uttam Galva Steels Ltd (UGSL), will also build a 1-million-tonne (mt) steel plant at Satarda in Maharashtra through a joint venture (JV) with the Indian company, according to two bankers familiar with the development.
India plans: ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi Mittal. PTI
ArcelorMittal Netherlands, which in October bought a 5.6% stake from the Miglani family that has promoted UGSL, has made an open offer to raise its stake to 35% at Rs120 a share. The open offer closed on Thursday.
A spokesperson for ArcelorMittal and UGSL’s managing director Ankit Miglani described news of the JV steel plant as “market speculation”.
UGSL has approached banks with a proposal to set up the 1mt plant at a cost of Rs3,600 crore, and sought a loan of Rs2,100 crore, according to the bankers familiar with the development. State Bank of India, the country’s largest bank by assets, is the lead syndicator of loans to the project along with Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank and IDBI Bank Ltd.
“We have sanctioned nearly Rs2,100 crore as loans to the first phase of the project and remaining...will be contribution from both promoters as equity,” said one of the two bankers, who did not want to be identified. In the second phase of the project, the JV firm will seek to add 1mt of additional capacity.
UGSL owns nearly 2,100 acres in Satarda and has invested money in building roads and railway lines to ferry coal and iron ore to the proposed plant, said a third person who is aware of the proposal, but who didn’t want to be identified.
Interestingly, the Miglanis have wanted to build a plant in Satarda for some time. UGSL planned to build a steel plant in Satarda and had mandated MN Dastur and Co. Pvt. Ltd, a business and technology consultant, in 2007 to conduct a feasibility study for a 1.2 mt integrated steel plant in the area. Shree Uttam Galva Steel and Power Ltd was to build the project.
UGSL will contribute land and take care of its development as its share of equity for the project, and Mittal will put in the hard cash, the second person added.
Satarda is well located; a plant based there can access iron ore from mines of Sesa Goa Ltd, now owned by Vedanta Resources Plc. The site is also close to the Goa port to which coal can be shipped, said the second banker, who has reviewed UGSL’s proposal.
The first banker said that once all funds for the project are tied up, it will be hived off into a separate company with both partners having an equal stake. The day-to-day operations of UGSL will be managed by the Miglanis, with strategic inputs from ArcelorMittal; the new plant will be managed by ArcelorMittal.
A JV such as the one with UGSL, which makes galvanized and cold rolled steel, is a sensible strategy for ArcelorMittal because it caters to demand from makers of automobiles and home appliances, said Peter Sish, managing director of London-based MEPS (International) Ltd, a global steel consulting and research firm.
Demand for galvanized and cold rolled steel will come from these sectors for the next 15-20 years, he said in a phone interview from London.
Navin Vohra, partner at audit and consulting firm Ernst and Young, said the deal would give Mittal an easy entry into the Indian market.
“Mittal has been trying to start projects in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa for the last two to three years, but the projects still remain on paper due to delays in land acquisition and the allocation of mines,” said Paresh Jain, an analyst at Mumbai-based Angel Broking Ltd. Jain added that similar issues plague other steel projects as well.
ArcelorMittal has been in talks with several state governments in India to build steel plants, but these discussions have primarily resulted in agreements that remain on paper.
On Thursday, PTI reported that Mittal had proposed building an integrated steel plant at a cost of Rs30,000 crore in Karnataka during a meeting with chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa. Mittal also told reporters in Delhi that his company could build a plant in Chhattisgarh and that he is “not satisfied” with the progress in Jharkhand and Orissa where ArcelorMittal plans to invest $20-25 billion (Rs91,800 crore-Rs1.15 trillion) in two plants that will together produce 24 mt of steel a year.
Analysts say Mittal has no option, but to pursue projects in India.
The growth in the country’s demand for steel cannot be satisfied by imports and the supply of steel has to be produced in the domestic market, said Sish.
“In 2010, the Indian market will grow a minimum of 6-7% compared to negligible or even negative growth in markets like the US and Europe. Only China with 10% (growth) is better, so naturally India is important,” said an analyst at a Mumbai brokerage, who did not want to be identified.
On Thursday, Korea’s Posco, the world’s fourth largest steel maker, said it will set up a 6 mt a year steel plant in south India, in addition to its planned project in Orissa.
baiju.k@livemint.com
Bloomberg, Reuters and PTI also contributed to this story.

http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/07235437/Mittal-Uttam-Galva-to-build-s.html

Top firms eye Karnataka's Gold

Express News Service
First Published : 08 Jan 2010 07:24:01 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Jan 2010 09:08:17 PM IST

BANGALORE: With gold prices reaching new highs, several companies of international repute are aggressively coming forward to explore and extract gold in the state in a joint venture with the state-run Hatti Gold Mines (HGM).
HGM chairman and Excise Minister MP Renukacharya told reporters on Thursday that a few companies, including those from Australia, had evinced keen interest in exploring and extracting gold in the state. Karnataka has identified gold deposits in Chitradurga, Davanagere and Gulbarga districts.
The companies include Cluff Resources, Deccan Gold Mines, Geo Mysore and Indo Fill, besides India’s mining giant National Mineral Development Corporation, the Minister said.
“We are estimating to get 0.2 to 3.2 gm of gold in a tonne of ore in the newly-identified gold deposits,” he said. However, a final decision in this regard would be taken only after the approval from the state government, he said.
On the expansion of mining operations in HGM, Renukacharya said that a new shaft was being constructed there at a cost of Rs 204 crore which will increase extraction by 20 per cent.
To a question, he said that HGM had been running on profit after he took over the reins an year ago

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Top+firms+eye+Karnatakas+Gold&artid=Z|zGs/BSIkA=&SectionID=7GUA38txp3s=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=zkvyRoWGpmWSxZV2TGM5XQ==&SEO=

Mines task force withdrawal in Orissa raises eyebrows

Goa's mining industry worried about 15% export dut...
Bhubaneswar: Orissa's multi-crore mining scam controversy has cast its shadow on the Central Task Force constituted by the Union ministry of mines to probe the illegularities in the state mining sector.
The withdrawal of the Task Force from the state has raised many eyebrows. The Orissa Jana Sammilani, the organisation which filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a probe into the mining scam in the state, has demanded an explanation for the withdrawal of the probe team.
"We want to know the reasons for withdrawal of the task force and also the findings of the probe team," Jana Sammilani demanded.
It also submitted a memorandum to the ministry of mines. The ministry Task Force had picked 28 mines for inspection and had ordered suspension of work in eight mines after investigation.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Mines-task-force-withdrawal-in-Orissa-raises-eyebrows/564753/

Mining – International

Canada may push for soft policy for India-bound cos

Gunjan Sharma
Posted: Friday, Jan 08, 2010 at 2336 hrs IST
Updated: Friday, Jan 08, 2010 at 2336 hrs IST

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New Delhi: Canada is likely to push for a relaxed policy regime for its companies that want to come to India under the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that both the countries are likely to negotiate in the near future. A joint panel of senior officials and trade experts, known as the Joint Study Group, are exploring the potential of a duty-free agreement for goods and services and an investment treaty.
“In CEPA, there could be policy changes that would impact small and medium enterprises. In Canada, one can open a company online in 24 hours. In India, the regulatory procedures to start business are long and tardy. That is the key difference which would require negotiations,” said Mario Ste-Marie, senior trade commissioner, Canadian High Commission, at the sidelines of a CII conference.
The Joint Study Group was established in November 2009. “The report of the group is likely in May this year,” Marie added. The JSG’s report will be the first step towards the CEPA. Once the report is submitted, trade negotiators from both the countries will engage in the negotiations to seal a deal. India signed two duty-free trade deals in 2009 with South Korea and the Asean, while a dozen others are being negotiated.
Canada is also looking at incorporating special provisions in the CEPA to encourage SMEs from the country to explore the Indian market. According to Marie, Canada would be looking at a relaxed duty regime in India so that SMEs get an incentive to send their products.
Trade between India and Canada has been gaining traction over the past few years and both the countries have been exploring avenues to deepen economic and trade ties. Canadian companies, especially SMEs, have expressed keen interest in participating in the Indian mining sector. “India has lot of opportunities in mining sector for small and medium enterprises (SME). Many SMEs in Canada are working in this (mining) sector,” added Marie.
Other sectors that have interested Canadian companies are life sciences and the financial services sector. “India has great research centres with lower costs and of course great ICT (information and communication technology). Investments in the area of life sciences have lot of potential,” Marie said.

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Canada-may-push-for-soft-policy-for-India-bound-cos/564706/

Experts Urge Officials To End Mountaintop Mining
by CHRISTOPHER JOYCE

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January 7, 2010
A team of scientists says the environmental damage from mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia is so widespread, the mining technique should be stopped.
The scientific review of research on the effects of the practice, which dumps coarse rock down the mountainsides into nearby valleys, states that harmful chemicals such as sulfate and selenium are pervasive in streams below.
Photo Gallery: Removing Mountains
In the summer of 2007, photographer Daniel Shea set out to cover the coal industry of Appalachia. These are his photos, from NPR's Picture Show blog.
Credit: Daniel Shea
Mountaintop removal is a pretty efficient and cheap way to mine coal. But when the rock or "overburden" above coal seams is blasted away and pushed over the side of the mountain, says Margaret Palmer of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, "you expose material that, when it rains and water percolates through that, it dissolves a lot of chemicals, and those are very persistent in the streams below valley fill sites."
Cleanup Laws May Not Be Working
Federal and state laws require mining companies to clean up and restore mined areas. But Palmer and 11 other scientists who published their review in the journal Science say that's not working. "Even after a site has been reclaimed and attempts have been made to re-vegetate it," says Palmer, a biologist, "the streams that remain below that, that weren't filled, have high levels of all sorts of nasty things."

EnlargeCourtesy A.D. Lemley
Deformed fish larvae from mountaintop mining-impacted streams in Lincoln County, W.Va. The fish on top has two eyes on one side of its head. The lower fish has a deformed spine.
Things, she says, like selenium, which in high amounts can harm fish and other aquatic life; and sulfates, which alter the water chemistry. Palmer and her colleagues say many animals in these valley streams — from algae to fish and birds — could be seriously harmed.
So, they say, mountaintop mining should be stopped.
EPA Already Delaying Permits
In fact, the EPA has been holding up almost 80 permits for new mines to give them extra environmental scrutiny. And at a Senate hearing last year, EPA water expert John Randy Pomponio said the agency doesn't really know how bad the stream damage is.
"These little streams are like capillaries in your blood system," Pomponio said. "They're what travel through the landscape and capture the pollutants, clean those pollutants. And we frankly don't know where the tipping point is in losing one stream, five streams, or 18 streams in a particular watershed."
Pomponio told the Senate that mines in some valleys are so large now, their footprint covers as much as one-third of the watershed (a watershed is the whole area from which water flows into a valley). He also said the EPA has not done a good job of assessing the cumulative effect of all this mining.
While the EPA reviews the science, the mining industry in West Virginia is growing unhappy with the go-slow approach. Randy Huffman is secretary of the state's Department of Environmental Protection. Of the EPA, he says, "They just shut everything down, basically, and it kind of turned industry on its head."

Courtesy of Vivian Stockman
Mountaintop removal coal mining approaches a home on the Mud River in Lincoln County, W.Va. The mine site is part of the Hobet 21 mine.
Watch Video Of Mountaintop Mining On The Sierra Club's Web Site
An Unfair Look At Pollutants?
Huffman says new requests for mining permits in West Virginia are getting closer inspection from his department, and some should go ahead while regulators are looking for solutions.
As for the pollutants the scientists listed, he says they've created a worst-case scenario.
"If you wanted to look at 30 years of coal mining in Appalachia and pick out the worst of everything that's ever happened and put it on two pages you can do that," says Huffman, "and it looks like that's what's been done."
Environmental and citizens groups in Appalachia have been suing for years to stop mountaintop mining, with mixed success. But Huffman says even if mountaintop mining were outlawed, that wouldn't keep other sources of mine waste out of valleys and streams. "We have valley fills associated with every type of mining, including underground mining," he says.
But according to the scientists who have studied the region's streams, mountaintop mining is responsible for the most of the damage.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122297492&ps=cprs

Saracen starts gold mining at WA dam
January 8, 2010 - 1:29PM
AAP
Saracen Mineral Holdings Ltd has begun mining at its Carosue Dam gold project in the South Laverton region of Western Australia, with a view to becoming a mid-tier producer of the precious metal.
The first stage of the project is expected to involve five open cut mines, starting with the Porphyry deposit, an old mine that previously produced 144,000 ounces of gold.
"Mining at the Porphyry open pit mine and ore haulage have commenced," Saracen said in a statement on Friday.
"Wet commissioning of the Carosue Dam plant is now in progress.
"During the commissioning phase, milling and gold production will be based on a combination of existing surface stockpiles and Porphyry mine ore."
Porphyry and the other planned mines - Whirling Dervish, Enterprise, Deep South and Wallbrook - will be mined over approximately three to five years.
"Production from Carosue Dam will see Saracen emerge as a mid-tier gold producer with a quality processing asset in a world class gold province laden with tremendous exploration and mining opportunities," managing director Guido Staltari said.
The operation employs about 200 staff and contractors.
Shares in Saracen were up two cents, or 4.44 per cent, at 47 cents at 1237 AEDT.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/saracen-starts-gold-mining-at-wa-dam-20100108-ly0w.html

Other News

Govt projects may put endangered wildlife at stake

Bahar Dutt / CNN-IBN
Published on Thu, Jan 07, 2010 at 21:52, Updated on Thu, Jan 07, 2010 at 22:10 in India section
Tags: Endangered Wildlife, Environment , New Delhi
Read Comment | Post Comment
WAY OF THE WORLD: A Chinkara was crushed to death in MP on a Highway in Reserved Forest.
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New Delhi: The year 2010 maybe the international year of biodiversity but India's biodiversity hotspots are facing an unprecedented onslaught. The Standing Committee of the National Board of Wildlife, under the Chairmanship of Minister Jairam Ramesh has recently cleared roads, dams and mining projects through national parks and sanctuaries – the last vestiges for endangered wildlife.
Minister of Environment, Jairam Ramesh who has cleared no less than 15 road, dam and mining projects inside India's National Parks and sanctuaries, may have sounded the death knell for India's most endangered wildlife. These include:
• A Limestone Mining Plant on the boundary ofRajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, one of the finest habitats for the Tiger.
• 65 Hectares of forest land to be chopped for 3 roads passing through Gangotri National Park, home to snow leopard, blue sheep and black bear
• Submergence of 1000 hectares of forest for a dam at Narasimha Wild Life Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, home to the critically endangered Jerdon Courser bird.
.
• Diversion of 240 hectares of forest land for a 400 KV Transmission line and 21 hectares for an underground oil pipeline both at the Gujarat Wild Ass Sanctuary, only home to the Indian Wild Ass.
• Diversion of forest land for a high-power transmission line by Power Grid Corporation in Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, barking deer, sloth bears and leopards
• Diversion of forest land for road-widening by the Border Roads Organization in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttaranchal, home to the highly endangered musk deer.
•
Such Projects lead not only to more fatalities, they also damage long term survival and breeding patterns of wild animals.
Wild expert Belinda Wright said, “We have such few areas of prime forest land that are within our protect area network. And we just cannot afford to lose even an inch of them.”
However, Minister Jairam Ramesh disagrees.
Jairam said, “You are being unfair, you are being very selective. There are number of projects that have been put on hold or rejected. The job of my Ministry is not to say no all the time. My job is to find a balance between environment and development.”
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries form less than 4 per cent of India's land surface. In the International Year of biodiversity a complete halt on deforestation in these areas maybe the last hope of survival for India's endangered animals.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/govt-projects-may-put-endangered-wildlife-at-stake/108372-3.html?from=tn

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Ministry of Environment and Forests

Forestland diverted for developmental activities
________________________________________
11:50 IST
Factsheet

Large-scale illegal tree cutting has not been reported in the past decade from any State/UT Governments. But for the developmental activities etc. forest areas have been diverted involving felling of trees in the diverted area. The details of the forest area diverted in the last decade from 1st January, 2000 are given in Annexure.

Summery of forest land diverted State-wise under the forest conservation Act, 1980
(During the peroid from : 01.01.2000 to 03.12.2009)
All Categories As On: 03.12.2009
S. No. State / UT Approved

Area diverted (in ha)
1 Andaman & Nicobar Island 184.84
2 Andhra Pradesh 13435.28
3 Arunachal Pradesh 7831.16
4 Assam 374.25
5 Bihar 974.86
6 Chandigarh 45.11
7 Chhattishgarh 12871.39
8 Dadar & Nagar Haveli 8.70
9 Daman & Diu 0
10 Delhi 22.82
11 Goa 1229.88
12 Gujarat 9702.16
13 Haryana 6917.75
14 Himachal Pradesh 4578.48
15 Jammu & Kashmir 0
16 Jharkhand 7524.32
17 Karnataka 12729.34
18 Kerala 10290.07
19 Lakshdeep 0
20 Madhya Pradesh 15239.88
21 Maharashtra 14863.46
22 Manipur 90.22
23 Meghalaya 125.07
24 Mizoram 5601.64
25 Nagaland 0
26 Orissa 13557.02
27 Pondichery 0
28 Punjab 61197.05
29 Rajasthan 9505.07
30 Sikkim 1123.17
31 Tamil Nadu 685.77
32 Tripura 6424.43
33 Uttar Pradesh 30858.58
34 Uttaranchal 30642.50
35 West Bengal 1078.65
Total 279712.92

KP

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56669

http://www.cuba.cu/gobierno/reflexiones/2010/ing/f030110i.html

Reflections by comrade Fidel
THE WORLD HALF A CENTURY LATER

On the 51st anniversary of the victory of the Revolution two days ago, the memories of that January 1st, 1959 came flooding back to me. None of us ever thought that half a century later, a time that has flown past very fast, we would be remembering it as if it were only yesterday.
On December 28, 1958, during the meeting at the Oriente sugar mill with the Commander in Chief of the enemy forces, whose elite units were besieged with no possibility of escaping, he admitted his defeat and appealed to our generosity to try finding an honorable way out for the rest of his forces. He was aware of our humane treatment of prisoners and injured enemies without exception. He accepted the agreement I proposed, even though I warned him that the ongoing operations would proceed uninterrupted. However, he traveled to the capital and, incited by US embassy, he promoted a coup d’état.
We were preparing for the combats of that day January 1st when in the early morning hours we learned that the tyrant had escaped. Right away orders were issued to the Rebel Army not to accept a ceasefire and carry on the fight at all fronts. At the same time, through RadioRebelde the workers were called on to declare a Revolutionary general strike, which was immediately backed by the entire nation. The attempted coup was defeated and that same day, in the afternoon, our victorious troops entered Santiago de Cuba.
Meanwhile, Che and Camilo were instructed to quickly advance by road with their brave and experienced forces on vehicles toward LaCabaña and the Military Camp at Columbia. The adversary army, beat in every front, would not have the capacity to resist. By then, the people had revolted and seized the repression centers and police stations. In the evening of January 2, accompanied by a reduced escort, I met in aBayamo stadium with over two thousand soldiers from the tank, artillery and mechanized infantry forces that we had been fighting against until the previous day. They still carried their weapons with them. We had won the respect of the adversary with our audacious but humanitarian methods of fighting the irregular war. This is how, after 25 months fighting a war we had resumed with a few rifles, in only four days approximately one hundred thousand air, sea and ground weapons and the entire power of the government fell in the hands of the Revolution. I’m relating in a few lines what happened in those days 51 years ago.
It was then that the main battle started to preserve the independence of Cuba opposite the most powerful empire that ever was; a battle our people have waged with great dignity. Today, I am pleased to see those who defended our homeland --despite incredible obstacles, sacrifices and risks—that in these days are happily enjoying the glories of every New Year in the company of their children, their parents and their beloved.
However, these days are in no way similar to those of the past. We are living a new era that resembles no other in history. In the past, the peoples fought and still fight with honor for a better world with more justice but today they must also fight –with no other choice—for the survival of the human species. We don’t know anything if we ignore that. Cuba is undoubtedly one of the countries in the world with a highest political education. It started from the most shameful illiteracy, and what is even worse: our Yankee masters and the bourgeoisie associated to the foreign owners were in possession of the land, the sugar mills, the factories that produced consumer goods, the storage facilities, the shops, the utility companies, the telephones, the banks, the mines, the insurance services, the docks, the bars, the hotels, the offices, the housing, the movie theaters, the printing shops, the magazines, the newspapers, the radio, the emerging television and everything of value.
Once the burning flames of our battles for liberation had faded, the Yankees took upon themselves the task of thinking for the people that had fought so hard to be the owner of their independence, their wealth and their destiny; nothing belonged to us then, not even the task of thinking politically. How many of us could read or write? How many could complete the sixth grade of grammar school? I remember this especially in a day like this because that was the country that supposedly belonged to the Cubans. I don’t mention other things because I’d have to include many more such as the best schools, the best hospitals, the best houses, the best doctors, the best lawyers. How many of us had access to them? Who, if not a few exceptions, had the natural and divine right to be managers or leaders?
No millionaire or rich man, without exception, failed to be the leader of a Party, a Senator, a Representative or a senior official. That was the representative and pure democracy that prevailed in our homeland, except that the Yankees whimsically imposed ruthless and heartless petty tyrants when it was most convenient to their interests for better defending their properties from landless farmers and employed or unemployed workers. As practically no one even speaks of that, I venture to remember it. Our country is one of the 150 Third World countries, which will be the first albeit not the only ones destined to endure the incredible consequences if humanity does not develop quite rapidly a clear and certain conscience of the reality and the result of climate change provoked by man, that is, if such change is not timely prevented.
Our media have described the effects of climate change while the increasingly intensive hurricanes, the droughts and other natural calamities have equally contributed to the education of our people on the issue. Likewise, a peculiar event, the battle on climate change that took place in the Copenhagen Summit, has helped to build awareness about the imminent danger. This is not one distant risk awaiting the 22ndcentury, but one for the 21st; neither is it only for the second half of the latter but for the next decades when we would start suffering its terrible consequences.
This is not a simple action against the empire and its henchmen that in this area, as in everything else, try to impose their stupid and selfish interests but rather a world public opinion battle that can’t be left to spontaneity or to the whim of most media. It’s a situation that is fortunately known to millions of honest and brave people in the world, a battle to be waged with the masses and within social organizations and scientific, cultural and humanitarian institutions and other international outfits, but very especially in the United Nations where the US administration, its NATO allies and the richest countries tried to deal a fraudulent and antidemocratic blow in Denmark against the rest of the emerging and poor nations of the Third World.
In Copenhagen, the Cuban delegation, which attended alongside others from ALBA and the Third World, was forced to fight strongly in the face of the amazing events originated by the speeches made by Yankee President Barack Obama and the group of richest states in the planet determined to do away with the binding agreements of Kyoto --where the thorny issue was discussed more than 12 years ago-- and to place the burden of the sacrifices on the emerging and the underdeveloped countries which happen to be the poorest and, at the same time, the main providers of raw materials and non-renewable resources of the planet to the most developed and affluent.
Obama showed up in Copenhagen the last day of the Conference which had begun on December 7. The worst of his behavior was that when he had already made the decision to send 30 thousand soldiers to the carnage in Afghanistan --a country with a strong tradition of independence that not even the British in their best and cruelest times could submit—he traveled to Oslo to receive no less than the Nobel Peace Prize. On December 10, he arrived in the Norwegian capital where he made an empty and demagogic speech full of justifications. On the 18th, the last day of the Summit, he appeared in Copenhagen where he had initially planned to spend only 8 hours. The Secretary of State and a selective group of her best strategists had come in the previous day.
The first thing that Obama did was to choose a group of guests who had the honor of accompanying him to address the Summit. With a permissive and flattering attitude, the Danish Prime Minister, who was chairing the Summit, granted the floor to the group of hardly more than 15 persons. The imperial leader deserved special honors. His speech was a combination of sweet words seasoned with theatrical gestures which have become boring for those who, like me, have decided to listen to him to try being objective in the assessment of his characteristics and political intentions. Obama imposed on his docile Danish host that only his guests could take the floor, although as soon as he made his speech he “disappeared” through a back door, as a leprechaun running away from an audience that had made him the honor of listening attentively.
After the authorized list of speakers had finished, a man who is every inch an Aymara native, Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, who had just been reelected with 65% of the votes, claimed his right to take the floor which was granted to him in light of the overwhelming applause of those present. In only nine minutes he exposed deep and honorable concepts in response to the words of the already absent president of theUnited States. Immediately afterwards Hugo Chavez stood up to ask for the floor on behalf of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The chairman of the session had no choice but to give the floor to him too; he then improvised one of the most brilliant speeches I’ve heard him make. After that, the sound of the gavel put an end to the unusual session.
However, the extremely busy Obama and his entourage did not have a minute to lose. His group had worked out a Draft Declaration full of vague remarks that was a denial of the Kyoto Protocol. After he had precipitously left the plenary hall, he met with other groups of guests, not even 30 people, to negotiate privately and in small groups. He insisted and brought up millionaire figures of green bills without a gold backing and constantly devaluated, and he even threatened to leave the meeting if his demands were not accepted. The worst of all is that it was a meeting of the superrich countries to which some of the most important emerging nations were invited alongside two or three poor countries. The document was submitted to these as a ‘take it or leave it’ proposal.
Later, the Danish Prime Minister tried to present such a confusing, ambiguous and contradictory declaration --in whose discussion the United Nations took no part whatsoever—as the Summit Accord. The sessions had concluded and almost every head of State or Government and Foreign Minister had left for their respective countries when, at three in the morning, the distinguished Danish Prime Minister introduced it to the plenary where hundreds of long-suffering officials, who had not slept for three days, received the complicated document and only an hour to examine it and decide on its approval.
That’s when the meeting grew highly volatile. The delegates had not had time to read it. Several of them asked for the floor. The first one was the delegate of Tuvalu whose islands will be under water if the proposal contained in the document is approved; the delegates of Bolivia,Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua followed suit. The dialectic confrontation that took place at 3:00 AM of December 19 is worth of being recorded by history, if history is to last long after the climate change.
As a good part of what happened is known in Cuba or can be found in the Internet, I will only offer part of the two responses given by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez since they are worthy of reading to known the final episodes of the Copenhagen soap opera, as well as the elements of the last chapter which have yet to be publish in our country.
“Mr. Chairman, [Prime Minister of Denmark]…the document that you repeatedly claimed that did not exist is showing up now. We have all seen drafts surreptitiously circulated and discussed in secret meetings, outside the rooms where the international community has been transparently negotiating through its representatives.”
“I add my voice to that of the representatives of Tuvalu, Venezuela and Bolivia. Cuba considers the text of this apocryphal draft extremely insufficient and inadmissible.”
“The document that you are unfortunately introducing contains no commitment whatsoever on the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.”
“I am aware of the previous drafts, which again through questionable and clandestine procedures, were negotiated in small groups and which at least made reference to a 50% reduction by 2050.”
“The document that you are introducing now leaves out precisely those already meager and insufficient key phrases contained in those drafts. This document does not guarantee, in any way, the adoption of minimal measures conducive to the prevention of an extremely grave catastrophe for the planet and for human beings.”
“This shameful document that you bring to us is also insufficient and ambiguous with regards to the specific commitment of the developed countries to reduce emissions even when they are responsible for the global warming resulting from the historic and current level of their emissions, and it is only fit that they undertake meaningful reductions right away. This document fails to mention any commitment by the developed nations.”
“Your document, Mr. Chairman, is the death certificate of the Kyoto Protocol that my delegation refuses to accept.
“The Cuban delegation wishes to emphasize the preeminence of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” as the main concept in the future process of negotiations. Your document does not have a word on that.”
“The Cuban delegation reiterates its protest against the grave breach of procedure that has surfaced in the antidemocratic way this conference has been conducted, particularly by resorting to arbitrary, exclusive and discriminatory formats of debate and negotiation.”
“Mr. Chairman, I formally request that this statement be included in the final report on the works of this shameful and regrettable 15thConference of the Parties.”
What was unthinkable is that after another long recess and when everybody thought that only the official procedures remained to conclude the Summit, the Primer Minister of the host country, incited by the Yankees, would make another attempt at having the document passed by consensus of the Summit when there were not even foreign ministers present in the plenary hall. The delegates of Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaraguaand Cuba who had remained alert and insomniac until the last minute thwarted the last maneuver in Copenhagen.
Still, the problem was far from over. The powerful are not used to meet with resistance and do not admit it. On December 30, the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations, in New York, politely informed our Mission in that city that it had taken note of the Copenhagen Accord of December 18, 2009, and was forwarding an advanced copy of that decision. It literally read: “…the Government of Denmark in its capacity as COP15 Presidency invites Parties to the Convention to inform the UNFCCC Secretariat in a written form at their earliest convenience of their willingness to be associated with the Copenhagen Accord.”
This unexpected communication motivated the response of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, that “…categorically rejects the attempt to indirectly approve a text that was repudiated by several delegations not only for its insufficiency in light of the serious effects of climate change but also because it just responded to the interests of a limited group of nations.”
Likewise, the First Vice minister of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment of the Republic of Cuba, Dr. Fernando Gonzalez Bermudez, forwarded a letter to Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, some of whose paragraphs I reproduce here:
“We have received with surprise and concern the Note circulated by the Danish Government to the Permanent Missions of the UN member states in New York --of which you are certainly aware-- inviting the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to inform the Executive Secretariat in a written form and at their earliest convenience of their willingness to be associated with the so-called Copenhagen Accord.”
“We have seen with additional concern that the Danish Government is informing that the Executive Secretariat of the Convention will include in the report of the COP 15 held in Copenhagen a list of the Parties to the Convention that have expressed their willingness to be associated with this Accord.”
“The Republic of Cuba considers this behavior a crude and reprehensible violation of the decision made in Copenhagen where, in view of the obvious lack of consensus, the Parties to the Convention simply took note of the existence of such document.”
“Nothing agreed at the COP15 entitles the Government of Denmark to adopt this course of action, and the Executive Secretariat does not have a mandate to include in the final report a list of Parties to the Convention.”
“I must say that the Government of the Republic of Cuba strongly rejects this new attempt at indirectly legitimizing a spurious document and reaffirms that this behavior sets a dangerous precedent for the Convention’s works and impairs the good-faith spirit with which the delegations should carry on the negotiating process next year,” concluded the Cuban First Vice minister of Science, Technology and the Environment.
Many in the world, especially the social movements and the best informed people of the humanitarian, cultural and scientific institutions are aware that the document promoted by the United States is a step backward from the positions reached by those who are making efforts to prevent a colossal catastrophe to our species. There is no point in repeating here facts and figures that prove it mathematically. The data can be found in the Internet; they are within reach of a growing number of people interested in the subject.
The theory used to defend adherence to the document is weak and implies a step backward. The deceitful idea is invoked that the wealthy nations would contribute the measly figure of 30 billion dollars in three years to poor countries to pay for the costs of facing climate change. This figure could then be raised to 100 billion annually by the year 2020, something that in this extremely serious issue is tantamount to waiting until Hell freezes over. The experts know that these figures are ridiculous and unacceptable given the magnitude of the investments required. The source of such figures is vague and confusing; therefore, no one is committed to this.
What’s the value of one dollar? What’s the meaning of 30 billion dollars? We all know that since Bretton Woods, in 1944, until Nixon’s executive order in 1971, --aimed at throwing on the world economy the cost of the genocidal Vietnam war-- the value of one dollar, measured in gold, has decreased and is today about 32 times lower than it was then. That is, 30 billions mean less than 1 billion, and 100 billion divided by 32 equals 3.1 billions, which at the moment would not be enough to build a middle size oil refinery.
If the industrialized nations ever honored their promise to give the developing countries 0.7% of their GDP –something they never did but for few exceptions—the figure would exceed 250 billion dollars each year.
The US administration has spent 800 billions to bail out the banks, how much would it be willing to spend to save the 9 billion people who will live on the planet by 2050, if there are no severe droughts or floods associated to a rising sea resulting from the meltdown of glaciers and of large masses of frozen water in Greenland and the Antarctic?
Let’s not be deceived. What the United States intended with its maneuvers in Copenhagen was to divide the Third World, that is, to separate over 150 countries from China, India, Brazil, South Africa and others with whom we should close ranks to defend in Bonn’s, in Mexico’s or at any other international conference, alongside the social, scientific and humanitarian organizations, real Accords that can benefit every country and protect humanity from a catastrophe conducive to the extinction of our species.
The world is in possession of an ever greater amount of information but the politicians’ time to think is ever smaller.
The wealthy nations and their leaders, including the US Congress, seem to be debating who will be the last to disappear.
When the 28 parties proposed by Obama to celebrate this Christmas are over, if that of the Epiphany was included perhaps The Three Wise Men --Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar-- could advise him what to do.
I apologize for the lengthy article but I did not want to split this Reflection in two. I beg my patient readers their indulgence.

Fidel Castro Ruz
January 3, 2010
3:16 PM

21-12-09

2009-12-21T17:30:00.000+05:30

Mining – India

1. Coal India to win trust of displaced via IPO
2. Uranium ghost returns to haunt Meghalaya in 2009
3. Trial mining for new Australian phosphate project
4. CM case for coal balance
5. Green mining system for efficient use of coal energy
6. Govt sees national security threat in illegal mining
7. Govt should act on interim report on illegal mining: Justice Hegde

Mining – International

8. Atlantic signs MOU over bauxite mine
9. Dept of mines approves De Beers’ divestiture from AK6 mine project
10. New mining corporation to expedite key projects in Tibet
11. Alumina Contribution To Saudi Aluminum Project To Be US$120 Million
12. Maaden signs SR40.5 billion deal with Alcoa
13. Minister blocks plan for off-shore sand mining
14. Bucyrus to acquire Terex mining unit for $1.3 billion news 21 December 200 14
Other News – India

15. Questions over business deals of UN climate change guru Dr Rajendra Pachaur
16. Poverty prime reason of child labour
17. Social equity? Not in govt jobs and promotions
18. Climate change also a public health issue

Mining – India

Coal India to win trust of displaced via IPO

21 Dec 2009, 0111 hrs IST, Subhash Narayan & Arindam Ghosh, ET Bureau

NEW DELHI: The country’s largest coal miner, Coal India (CIL), is exploring the option of forming a trust to distribute a portion of shares

offered in its proposed initial public offering to people from whom land is acquired for mining.

The option is being considered to institute a fair and transparent system for distribution of CIL’s shares as compensation to people who lose their land or livelihood on account of mining projects planned by the company, an official involved in the disinvestment process told ET.

With the changes, the size of CIL’s proposed initial public offer may increase to 15% of its total equity capital. The coal ministry had earlier proposed to sell 10% of government equity in the market under the proposed IPO.

An additional 5% equity would be offered to CIL’s 4.25 lakh employees as stock option and to the proposed trust in a ratio to be finalised later. The government holds 100% stake in the company.

The proposal is still being finalised by CIL and the coal ministry. The company is also examining the legality of the exercise and has sought the opinion of market regulator SEBI.

“Once all clearances are received, a formal proposal would be sent to the department of disinvestment,” an official connected with the proposed disinvestment process told ET.

As per the plan, the government would place a fixed portion of its equity in an independent trust. The trust would, in turn, process claims of project-affected families and offer CIL shares to them as part of the compensation package.

The earlier proposal of CIL and the coal ministry to reserve shares under the IPO for employees and project-affected persons was rejected by the finance ministry. CIL has appointed merchant bankers to initiate the IPO exercise and get the company valued.

Coal ministry officials said CIL’s disinvestment proposal may be cleared early next year and the PSU would come out with its issue during the next financial year.

The company was given Navratna status last year and was asked to get listed before September 2011. The company has a paid-up equity capital of Rs 6,316 crore. Investment banking officials said the proposed CIL offer may raise over Rs 15,000 crore for the government.

CIL’s annual production is expected to touch 450 million tonnes in 2009-10. The company clocked a pre-tax profit of Rs 8,738.46 crore in 2008-09.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/stocks-in-news/Coal-India-to-win-trust-of-displaced-via-IPO/articleshow/5360106.cms

Uranium ghost returns to haunt Meghalaya in 2009

Rituraj Borthakur

Shillong, Dec 21 (PTI) Hopes were rekindled in mid 2009 that the proposed uranium mining project in Meghalaya will finally see the light of the day but these were dashed towards the end of the year by renewed protests prompting the government to put it in on the back burner.

Within three months of clinching power after the collapse of the NCP-led coalition of regional parties, the Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister D D Lapang sought to break the deadlock over the uranium mining project that has been hanging fire over two decades now.

The Lapang cabinet on August 24 decided to lease 422 hectares of land to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for 30 years in the uranium-rich West Khasi Hills district for "pre-project" developmental works
http://www.ptinews.com/news/433213_Uranium-ghost-returns-to-haunt-Meghalaya-in-2009

Trial mining for new Australian phosphate project

The first stage for developing the Wonarah rock phosphate deposit in Australia's Northern Territory has been completed with the bulk sampling and trial mining of over 2,000 tonnes of high grade material.
Author: Ross Louthean
Posted: Monday , 21 Dec 2009
PERTH -
Minemakers Ltd (ASX: MAK) said today that it has now road-hauled the first trial parcel of Wonarah ore to the port of Darwin for shipping to potential customers in India and New Zealand.
The material came from the Arruwurra deposit at Wonarah.
Managing director Andrew Drummond said the customers in India and NZ will conduct "confirmatory trials" of the suitability of the Wonarah phosphate for their fertiliser plants.
He said export of this rock phosphate was understood to be the first from the Northern Territory and the first from a new Australian phosphate mine for many years.
"The very substantial JORC-compliant resource position at Wonarah -- the largest in Australia -- underpins Minemakers' intention to be a major producer for a long time," Drummond said.
Following recent meetings in Asia with other potential customers, it was likely there would be further shipments to India and Korea early in the New Year.
The company said all approvals were in hand for a Stage II test mining and sampling programme to enable that marketing to occur.
International DAP prices have risen strongly by 15% so far this month, as predicted by the company. This, Drummond said, was likely to lead to higher rock phosphate prices in the New Year.
He said that considering field work was only initiated in April 2008, that the project is on Aboriginal-owned land, and that the trial mining needed several approvals, the ability to find and export high grade trial product in only 20 months was "a remarkable achievement."
The NT Government had given Major Project Status to the Wonarah development and there had also been support from various NT departments, the Aboriginal Wunara Community, and the Central Land Council.
http://www.mineweb.co.za/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page72102?oid=94776&sn=Detail

CM case for coal balance

Raniganj, Dec. 20: Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today said he would take up with Delhi the problems the state was facing over Coal India’s objections to new factories in the Asansol-Raniganj belt because of coal reserves and stressed the need to strike a balance.
“Coal India’s objections to proposed factories on the plea that there is a huge coal reserve here is a matter of concern. A way out has to be evolved. The state government can’t stop setting up industries in the Asansol-Raniganj belt simply because of its objections,” the chief minister told a rally.
Coal and industry have to co-exist, he said. “Something has to be worked out so factories can be set up despite the existence of coal reserves.”
Two projects involving a total investment of over Rs 40,000 crore are in trouble because they are likely to make an estimated 200 million tonnes of coal inaccessible.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091221/jsp/bengal/story_11891243.jsp

Green mining system for efficient use of coal energy
TNN 21 December 2009, 07:17am IST
Text Size:
VARANASI: Can clean coal technology bring about efficient and eco-friendly use of coal energy, the largest energy source in the country? If
energy experts are to be believed, the country needs early adoption of green mining system (in coal fields) for sustainable and environment-friendly use of coal energy.

"More than 50 per cent of country's energy requirement is dependent on coal and the situation is not going to change in the coming 50 years," said Prof YP Chugh, energy expert from the US while talking to TOI on Sunday. "There is a growing need for sustainable development of mining system and switching over to green mining system like the US could be a better option," he added.

It may be mentioned here that Prof Chugh is a member of the International Task Force working for sustainable coal development in China that has world's largest coal deposits. In addition, he has also worked for sustainable development of mining system in the US.

"It is not necessary that the technology used in the US is also feasible in India, but efforts should be made for promoting energy-efficient and eco-friendly methods for generating energy," he said, hinting at the use of green mining system with some modifications. The target of energy production should be to cause minimal loss to the environment, in addition to coming up with cheap and reliable technology, he added.

Saying he had worked for dust control in underground coal beds in the US, he added it was important to minimise the exposure of work force to particulate matter, the pollutants in the coal fields. Similarly, efforts like reduction of amount of silica and coal dust apart from coal combustion by products including fly ash, bottom ash and other gasification by products could also be introduced in the green mining system, he said.

Prof Chugh was a key participant of the three-day international conference on issues and challenges in energy conversion and management (ICEM), organised in the department of Mechanical Engineering, IT, BHU, also concluding on Sunday.

"The country can no longer afford to use coal energy without taking care of the environment as it can backfire with colossal loss to human life and property," he said. "The focus should be on developing cheap, reliable and sustainable technology that leads to efficient energy consumption besides protecting the environment," he concluded.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/Green-mining-system-for-efficient-use-of-coal-energy/articleshow/5359871.cms

Govt sees national security threat in illegal mining

Sanjay Jog / Mumbai December 21, 2009, 0:01 IST

The Union home ministry wants state governments to take proactive action against illegal mining as it has become a national security threat.
In a recent meeting with the states, the home ministry said that windfall profits from such mining of minerals and sand were being used by the mafia to aid extremist elements.
A top government source said the Indian Bureau of Mines had identified 17 states where such illegal mining was going on. The worst affected were Bellary-Hospet in Karnataka, Obullapuram, Kurnool and Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh, Keonjhar and Barbil in Orissa, and Jod and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand.
The Centre warned the states that the situation was worsening and that it was not averse to intervening in the matter if they were unable to take action themselves.

TROUBLED SOIL
Top 10 states No of cases
(2006-June ‘09)
Andhra Pradesh 35,411
Gujarat 23,240
Maharashtra 17,900
Madhya Pradesh 16,068
Karnataka 11,896
Rajasthan 7,932
Kerala 7,685
Chhatisgarh 6,923
Tamil Nadu 5,074
Haryana 3,141
Source: Ministry of Mines data released on Dec 7, 2009
The states are expected to submit a definite action plan when the issue again comes up for discussion between the Centre and the states on December 26. The action plan should include mechanisms to monitor prices of minerals, identify endemic areas that were prone to illegal mining to ensure monitoring through multidisciplinary teams and strengthen the inspection agencies, the government source said. Besides, he added, the plan should spell out how to use the satellite machinery to keep track of the areas already under mining and identify new areas.
On their part, the states argued that the Centre should consider a slab system of royalty, as the present method was not sufficient to curb windfall gains by miners and check rampant illegal mining.
Besides, the states said the present procedures of obtaining environment and forest clearances led to delays. They suggested the Centre set up a special force on the lines of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for the mining areas or allow them to use central forces in the difficult terrain.
The states appealed to the Centre to introduce the new draft of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act as the existing one did not adequately address all the issues of the sector.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-sees-national-security-threat-in-illegal-mining/380228/

Govt should act on interim report on illegal mining: Justice Hegde

12/19/2009
Defending Karnataka Governor’s pro-active move seeking a follow-up action by the BJP Government on his interim report on illegal mining submitted last year, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde opined that the Government need not wait for receiving the final report but put an end to menace.

Addressing media persons after releasing a summary of a survey report on Review of Democracy and Performance of the Government by Daksha, a civil society organisation, Justice Hegde took exception to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s stand that action on illegal mining could be initiated only after receiving the final report from Lokayukta.

Stating that he had submitted a substantive report on the illegal iron ore mining activities in Bellary and other districts, Justice Hegde said the report also highlighted the nexus between state official machinery, mining lobby and transport operators.

‘If things were allowed to continue, Karnataka which is blessed with rich natural resources would turn into a barren piece of land,’ he feared.

He said he had shed light on various activities of illegal mining being carried out in Bellary district, which included destroying of inter-state border, engrossing lease conditions and extracting rich iron ore beyond the leased areas.

‘Government should straight away take preventive action, including prosecution of those involved in illegal mining activities without waiting for Lokayukta to submit its final report,’ Justice Hegde said.

UNI

http://www.indlawnews.com/Newsdisplay.aspx?1e01407b-146f-4a98-aea9-daf24e6b6e6c

Mining – International

Atlantic signs MOU over bauxite mine

December 21, 2009 - 5:14PM
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Atlantic Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 25 million tonnes per annum bauxite mine in Vietnam.
The miner and a Vietnamese state-owned enterprise aim to access up to 1.5 billion metric tonnes of bauxite from the Lam Dong and Dak Nong bauxite provinces.
Under the plan, Atlantic will join with Vietnam Natural Resources and Environment Corporation (T-MV) for the mine and associated rail and port infrastructure.
Shares in the Atlantic leapt on the news, finishing up 0.6 cents, or 19.35 per cent, at 3.7 cents on Monday.
Atlantic said some of the world's largest aluminium companies have shown interest in mining bauxite in the region but an absence of key infrastructure has curtailed development.
"The parties have also agreed to undertake the downstream processing of bauxite in Vietnam, including alumina refining and aluminium smelting opportunities, on completion of a positive feasibility study," Atlantic said in a statement.
Atlantic said it had agreed to undertake the exploration of the bauxite areas, provide the funding for the project feasibility and procure finance.
"The joint venture interest of T-MV and Atlantic will reflect the contributions of the parties," Atlantic said.
The two groups hope to sign a definitive agreement in the first half of 2010.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/atlantic-signs-mou-over-bauxite-mine-20091221-l9v0.html

Dept of mines approves De Beers’ divestiture from AK6 mine project

by KABO MOKGOABONE
21.12.2009 12:10:22 P
African Copper’s AK6 mine was given a boost this week with the news that the government of Botswana has approved the sale of De Beers’ stake in the project.

The move will now see the BSE listed outfit fast tracking the development of the mine near Letlhakane Village in the Central District as the world gears for a rebound in diamond industry following the bad economic recession.

Under the deal, De Beers will sell its 70% share in the AK06 diamond deposit to Lucara Diamond Corporation, a Canadian junior diamond mining company, for US$ 49 million (over P3 billion) in cash.

John Teeling, Chairman of African Diamonds, punched the air saying the company would take a significant stride in 2010 when development commences on the AK6 diamond deposit in Botswana.

“Negotiations initiated by African Diamonds led to the sale of the De Beers’ stake to the Lundin Group,” said Teeling, adding that his company has the right to increase their stake to 40% and the right to market their share of the diamonds.

Pundits say that due to low operating costs in Botswana, a scaled down capital cost, a distribution of large stones, and the presence of the rare and valuable Type II diamonds, AK6 has the potential to generate significant profits.

“AK6 will be developed as quickly and efficiently as possible, to the benefit of all stakeholders, at a time when there is recovering confidence and growing demand,” Teeling added.

The marriage between the two diamond houses has been an acrimonious one as, at some stage, there was a clash after De Beers reneged from the terms of mining licence that provide that diamonds from AK6 should be sold on a secondary market to develop Botswana as an international diamond centre.

Construction of the mine is expected to begin in mid 2010, with start up in late 2011 at 400,000 carats a year, rising to an expected 1 million carats in 2013/2014.

Updating the feasibility study will continue during the holiday period. A valuation of the AK6 diamonds recovered during exploration will be undertaken during the third week of January 2010.

“For six years, we partnered with De Beers on AK6 and other projects in Botswana. Together we found a diamond mine but, over time, the needs and aims of African Diamonds diverted from those of De Beers. It was a genuine pleasure and privilege to work with De Beers. An amicable separation is a good outcome,” Teeling is quoted as saying.

African Diamonds revealed it has the right to market their share of the diamond output adding that there are further excellent exploration targets to be progressed in 2010.
http://sundaystandard.info/news/news_item.php?NewsID=6623&GroupID=3

New mining corporation to expedite key projects in Tibet

(TibetanReview.net, Dec21, 2009) China said Dec 20 that it had set up on Dec 16 a Tibet Shengyuan Mining Group Corporation with the involvement of four companies and registered capital of 200 million yuan (US $29 million).

The official Xinhuanet news service Dec 20 reported that the new corporation’s largest shareholder, at 40 percent, was the Tibet Autonomous Regional Mining Development Company. The second largest stakeholder was Jiangnan Mining Co. Ltd. in Lhoka Prefecture with a 30 percent share, followed by the Tibet Autonomous Regional Investment Co., Ltd. with a 20 percent stake, and the Tibet Autonomous Regional Geological and Mineral Development Bureau with 10 percent shareholding.

The report cited Wang Guoxin, president of the mining corporation, as saying the new company would accelerate the undertaking of key projects, such as the second-phase of Tibet's Zabuye lithium mining project and the extension of Tinggong copper mine project in Nimu (Tibetan: Nyemo) County of Lhasa City.

The Tibet Autonomous Region government plans to complete by 2010 the establishment of five industrial groups in the key areas of construction, building materials, mining, tourism and traditional Tibetan medicines.

Earlier, a Xinhuanet report Dec 14 said five companies would join to form a 200 milion-yuan, Tibet Building Materials (Group) Co., Ltd. Its largest shareholder, at 86 million yuan, or 43 percent of the total share capital, would be Huaxin Cement company, followed by Huaxin Cement company with 30 percent stake, Tibet Gaozheng company and Tibet Trust and Investment company with 10 percent share each and the Xingye Cement Plant in Lhoka with apparently seven percent stake in the new corporation.

The new company was to focus on the production and sale of cement products and building materials.
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http://www.tibetanreview.net/news.php?&id=5151

Alumina Contribution To Saudi Aluminum Project To Be US$120 Million

December 20, 2009: 06:06 PM ET

MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- Alumina Ltd. (AWC.AU) said Monday it will contribute about US$120 million toward the development of a US$10.8 billion aluminium project in Saudi Arabia.
Alumina's joint venture partner, Alcoa Inc. (AA), is teaming up with Saudi Arabian Mining Co., better known as Ma'aden, to develop an aluminum complex featuring bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminum smelting.
The deal will see Alcoa and Alumina provide alumina for the first stage of the project, due to come on line in 2013, with a bauxite mine and alumina refinery to be developed in the second phase.
Alumina said it will consider a variety of debt funding options for its equity contribution, which will be contributed progressively between 2010 and 2014.
"This is a unique opportunity to invest in very low cash-cost alumina production capacity in a major growth region for the aluminum industry and further diversifies our operational and geographic footprint," Alumina Chief Executive John Bevan said in a statement.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200912201806DOWJONESDJONLINE000307_FORTUNE5.htm

Maaden signs SR40.5 billion deal with Alcoa

Md Rasooldeen | Arab News

MAMMOTH PROJECT: Maaden President and Chief Executive Officer Abdallah Dabbagh, right, and Alcoa President and Chief Executive Officer Klous Kleinfeld sign a multibillion agreement. (AN photo by Fawaz Al-Muteiry)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) signed Sunday a SR40.5 billion ($10.8 billion) contract with Alcoa, the world leader in aluminum, for the development of a fully integrated world-class aluminum industry in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by Maaden President and CEO Abdallah Dabbagh and Alcoa President and CEO Klous Kleinfeld at the new Maaden headquarters here.
Dabbagh said after the ceremony that the joint venture would become the world’s pre-eminent and lowest-cost supplier of primary aluminum, alumina and aluminum products with access to the growing markets of the Middle East. The project would be implemented in two phases and that production from the aluminum smelter and rolling mill would start in 2013 and production from the mine and refinery was expected in 2014, he added. Maaden will own 60 percent of the joint venture, while Alcoa and its partners the remainder.
“Alcoa’s partnership in all aspects of this integrated industry brings with it enormous value not only in terms of technology, resources and experience but also a proven commitment to sustainability,” Dabbagh said. He added that a focus on quality alongside the robust economics of the project would ensure its leading role in advancing Saudi Arabia and the region as a major hub for aluminum and downstream projects.
“We are creating a fully integrated aluminum complex that will be the most technologically advanced and cost-efficient in the world,” Kleinfeld said.
In its initial phase, the joint venture will develop a fully integrated industrial complex including a bauxite mine with an initial capacity of 4,000,000 metric tons per year, an alumina factory with an initial capacity of 1,8000,000 (mtpy), an aluminum smelter with initial hot-mill capacity of between 250,000 and 460,000 mtpy.
“The mill will focus initially on the production of sheet, end and tab stock for the manufacture of aluminum cans and potentially other products to serve the construction industry,” Dabbagh said. The refinery, smelter and rolling mill will be established within the industrial zone of Ras As Zawr on the east coast of the Kingdom.
The complex will utilize critical infrastructure including low-cost and clean power generation, as well as port and railroad facilities developed by the government. He said bauxite feedstock for the planned alumina factory will be transported by railroad from the new mine at Al-Baitha near Quiba in the north.
The project will be developed and financed in two phases with the rolling mill and smelter in the first phase.
In his brief speech, Maaden Chairman Abdullah Al-Saif said that the Kingdom’s investment in critical infrastructure was proving to be a catalyst for this as well as other projects.
“The positive impact of the government’s vision in developing the country’s infrastructure including the new railway network and deepwater port at Ras As Zawr is clearly demonstrated by the realization of this industry and others such as phosphate. Collaboration in clean efficient power generation also ensures that it is both highly competitive and sustainable,” Al-Saif said.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=6§ion=0&article=129968&d=21&m=12&y=2009

Minister blocks plan for off-shore sand mining

THE NSW Government has blocked a plan for offshore sand mining between Avoca Beach and The Entrance.
Central Coast and Mineral Resources Minister Ian Macdonald said he had decided to refuse the application by Sydney Marine Sands to begin exploration to determine the viability of offshore sand mining.
Mr Macdonald said the State Government sought advice from commonwealth and state agencies and called for public submissions during consideration of the application.
“Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson agrees with the NSW Government’s decision to refuse this application because of concerns for the State’s coastal environment and the NSW Government’s position of opposing offshore sand mining,” Mr Macdonald said.
The same company lodged applications for offshore exploration twice previously - off the Central Coast in 2000 and off Palm Beach in 2003. Both applications were refused based on environmental concerns. Wyong State Labor MP David Harris welcomed the decision.
“The Central Coast has a unique lifestyle and natural environment and we are committed to preserving that,” Mr Harris said. “It shows the Government is committed to striking a balance between industry and the environment on the coast.”
WYONG Mayor Bob Graham welcomed the decision to refuse offshore sand mining.
“I congratulate the new Central Coast minister for that and he has one tick from me,” Mr Graham said.
“Interfering with the sea bed is something we don’t understand and we shouldn’t be doing it,” he said. He said the application had the potential to impact negatively on both the environment and tourism.
Mr Graham said the offshore mining issue was unlikely to disappear and the council would have to remain vigilant for new applications.
http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/sand-mine-blocked/

Bucyrus to acquire Terex mining unit for $1.3 billion news 21 December 2009

Mining equipment maker Bucyrus International Inc said yesterday that it will acquire a mining unit of Terex Corporation, the world's third biggest maker of heavy earth-moving equipment for $1.3 billion in cash.
Bucyrus, based in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a designer and manufacturer of high productivity mining equipment for the surface and underground mining like coal, copper, iron ore, oil sands and other minerals, said the acquisition would make it a "premier supplier of mining equipment."
Under the terms of the agreement, approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Bucyrus will acquire those subsidiaries and assets of Terex Corporation used to design, manufacture, and sell hydraulic excavators, surface mining trucks, drills, highwall miners, and related components, parts, and after-sales service, commonly known as O&K, Unit Rig, Reedrill, Superior Highwall, Halco, and Hypac.
The Westport, Connecticut-based Terex may request to receive $300 million of the purchase price in Bucyrus stock.
The acquisition, which is not subject to shareholder approval by either company, is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2010.
The acquisition is expected to yield significant benefits for Bucyrus shareholders since the company believes it can achieve $100 million in annual run-rate operating synergies by 2012.
A substantial portion of the synergies is expected to come from the integration of the company's global manufacturing facilities and leveraging manufacturing centres of excellence as well as engineering and product development resources.
Bucyrus noted that additional cost savings are expected to come through combining management functions and reducing purchasing expenses.
Terex Corporation, with 2008 net sales of $9.9 billion, operates in four business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, and Terex Materials Processing & Mining.
Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, surface mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries and has 38 facilities around the world with about 2,150 employees.
Bucyrus said it will double its sales to about $30 billion from $15 billion and have almost 100 global locations.
Bucyrus has signed a commitment letter with a group of financial institutions to provide the necessary funding for the acquisition through an increase in its existing revolving credit facility and a new term loan facility and also modifies certain terms of the company's existing debt.
http://www.domain-b.com/industry/Mining/20091221_bucyrus.html

Other News – India

Questions over business deals of UN climate change guru Dr Rajendra Pachauri
The head of the UN's climate change panel - Dr Rajendra Pachauri - is accused of making a fortune from his links with 'carbon trading' companies, Christopher Booker and Richard North write.

Published: 8:30AM GMT 20 Dec 2009

The head of the UN's climate change panel - Dr Rajendra Pachauri - is accused of making a fortune from his links with 'carbon trading' companies. Photo: EPA
No one in the world exercised more influence on the events leading up to the Copenhagen conference on global warming than Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and mastermind of its latest report in 2007.
Although Dr Pachauri is often presented as a scientist (he was even once described by the BBC as “the world’s top climate scientist”), as a former railway engineer with a PhD in economics he has no qualifications in climate science at all.

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What has also almost entirely escaped attention, however, is how Dr Pachauri has established an astonishing worldwide portfolio of business interests with bodies which have been investing billions of dollars in organisations dependent on the IPCC’s policy recommendations.
These outfits include banks, oil and energy companies and investment funds heavily involved in ‘carbon trading’ and ‘sustainable technologies’, which together make up the fastest-growing commodity market in the world, estimated soon to be worth trillions of dollars a year.
Today, in addition to his role as chairman of the IPCC, Dr Pachauri occupies more than a score of such posts, acting as director or adviser to many of the bodies which play a leading role in what has become known as the international ‘climate industry’.
It is remarkable how only very recently has the staggering scale of Dr Pachauri’s links to so many of these concerns come to light, inevitably raising questions as to how the world’s leading ‘climate official’ can also be personally involved in so many organisations which stand to benefit from the IPCC’s recommendations.
The issue of Dr Pachauri’s potential conflict of interest was first publicly raised last Tuesday when, after giving a lecture at Copenhagen University, he was handed a letter by two eminent ‘climate sceptics’. One was the Stephen Fielding, the Australian Senator who sparked the revolt which recently led to the defeat of his government’s ‘cap and trade scheme’. The other, from Britain, was Lord Monckton, a longtime critic of the IPCC’s science, who has recently played a key part in stiffening opposition to a cap and trade bill in the US Senate.
Their open letter first challenged the scientific honesty of a graph prominently used in the IPCC’s 2007 report, and shown again by Pachauri in his lecture, demanding that he should withdraw it. But they went on to question why the report had not declared Pachauri’s personal interest in so many organisations which seemingly stood to profit from its findings.
The letter, which included information first disclosed in last week’s Sunday Telegraph, was circulated to all the 192 national conference delegations, calling on them to dismiss Dr Pachauri as IPCC chairman because of recent revelations of his conflicting interests.
The original power base from which Dr Pachauri has built up his worldwide network of influence over the past decade is the Delhi-based Tata Energy Research Institute, of which he became director in 1981 and director-general in 2001. Now renamed The Energy Research Institute, TERI was set up in 1974 by India’s largest privately-owned business empire, the Tata Group, with interests ranging from steel, cars and energy to chemicals, telecommunications and insurance (and now best-known in the UK as the owner of Jaguar, Land Rover, Tetley Tea and Corus, Britain’s largest steel company).
Although TERI has extended its sponsorship since the name change, the two concerns are still closely linked.
In India, Tata exercises enormous political power, shown not least in the way it has managed to displace hundreds of thousands of poor tribal villagers in the eastern states of Orissa and Jarkhand to make way for large-scale iron mining and steelmaking projects.
Initially, when Dr Pachauri took over the running of TERI in the 1980s, his interests centred on the oil and coal industries, which may now seem odd for a man who has since become best known for his opposition to fossil fuels. He was, for instance, a director until 2003 of India Oil, the country’s largest commercial enterprise, and until this year remained as a director of the National Thermal Power Generating Corporation, its largest electricity producer.
In 2005, he set up GloriOil, a Texas firm specialising in technology which allows the last remaining reserves to be extracted from oilfields otherwise at the end of their useful life.
However, since Pachauri became a vice-chairman of the IPCC in 1997, TERI has vastly expanded its interest in every kind of renewable or sustainable technology, in many of which the various divisions of the Tata Group have also become heavily involved, such as its project to invest $1.5 billion (£930 million) in vast wind farms.
Dr Pachauri’s TERI empire has also extended worldwide, with branches in the US, the EU and several countries in Asia. TERI Europe, based in London, of which he is a trustee (along with Sir John Houghton, one of the key players in the early days of the IPCC and formerly head of the UK Met Office) is currently running a project on bio-energy, financed by the EU.
Another project, co-financed by our own Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the German insurance firm Munich Re, is studying how India’s insurance industry, including Tata, can benefit from exploiting the supposed risks of exposure to climate change. Quite why Defra and UK taxpayers should fund a project to increase the profits of Indian insurance firms is not explained.
Even odder is the role of TERI’s Washington-based North American offshoot, a non-profit organisation, of which Dr Pachauri is president. Conveniently sited on Pennsylvania Avenue, midway between the White House and the Capitol, this body unashamedly sets out its stall as a lobbying organisation, to “sensitise decision-makers in North America to developing countries’ concerns about energy and the environment”.
TERI-NA is funded by a galaxy of official and corporate sponsors, including four branches of the UN bureaucracy; four US government agencies; oil giants such as Amoco; two of the leading US defence contractors; Monsanto, the world’s largest GM producer; the WWF (the environmentalist campaigning group which derives much of its own funding from the EU) and two world leaders in the international ‘carbon market’, between them managing more than $1 trillion (£620 billion) worth of assets.
All of this is doubtless useful to the interests of Tata back in India, which is heavily involved not just in bio-energy, renewables and insurance but also in ‘carbon trading’, the worldwide market in buying and selling the right to emit CO2. Much of this is administered at a profit by the UN under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) set up under the Kyoto Protocol, which the Copenhagen treaty was designed to replace with an even more lucrative successor.
Under the CDM, firms and consumers in the developed world pay for the right to exceed their ‘carbon limits’ by buying certificates from those firms in countries such as India and China which rack up ‘carbon credits’ for every renewable energy source they develop – or by showing that they have in some way reduced their own ‘carbon emissions’.
It is one of these deals, reported in last week’s Sunday Telegraph, which is enabling Tata to transfer three million tonnes of steel production from its Corus plant in Redcar to a new plant in Orissa, thus gaining a potential £1.2 billion in ‘carbon credits’ (and putting 1,700 people on Teesside out of work).
More than three-quarters of the world ‘carbon’ market benefits India and China in this way. India alone has 1,455 CDM projects in operation, worth $33 billion (£20 billion), many of them facilitated by Tata – and it is perhaps unsurprising that Dr Pachauri also serves on the advisory board of the Chicago Climate Exchange, the largest and most lucrative carbon-trading exchange in the world, which was also assisted by TERI in setting up India’s own carbon exchange.
But this is peanuts compared to the numerous other posts to which Dr Pachauri has been appointed in the years since the UN chose him to become the world’s top ‘climate-change official’.
In 2007, for instance, he was appointed to the advisory board of Siderian, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specialising in ‘sustainable technologies’, where he was expected to provide the Fund with ‘access, standing and industrial exposure at the highest level’,
In 2008 he was made an adviser on renewable and sustainable energy to the Credit Suisse bank and the Rockefeller Foundation. He joined the board of the Nordic Glitnir Bank, as it launched its Sustainable Future Fund, looking to raise funding of £4 billion. He became chairman of the Indochina Sustainable Infrastructure Fund, whose CEO was confident it could soon raise £100 billion.
In the same year he became a director of the International Risk Governance Council in Geneva, set up by EDF and E.On, two of Europe’s largest electricity firms, to promote ‘bio-energy’. This year Dr Pachauri joined the New York investment fund Pegasus as a ‘strategic adviser’, and was made chairman of the advisory board to the Asian Development Bank, strongly supportive of CDM trading, whose CEO warned that failure to agree a treaty at Copenhagen would lead to a collapse of the carbon market.
The list of posts now held by Dr Pachauri as a result of his new-found world status goes on and on. He has become head of Yale University’s Climate and Energy Institute, which enjoys millions of dollars of US state and corporate funding. He is on the climate change advisory board of Deutsche Bank. He is Director of the Japanese Institute for Global Environmental Strategies and was until recently an adviser to Toyota Motors. Recalling his origins as a railway engineer, he is even a policy adviser to SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company.
Meanwhile, back home in India, he serves on an array of influential government bodies, including the Economic Advisory Committee to the prime minister, holds various academic posts and has somehow found time in his busy life to publish 22 books.
Dr Pachauri never shrinks from giving the world frank advice on all matters relating to the menace of global warming. The latest edition of TERI News quotes him as telling the US Environmental Protection Agency that it must go ahead with regulating US carbon emissions without waiting for Congress to pass its cap and trade bill.
It reports how, in the days before Copenhagen, he called on the developing nations which had been historically responsible for the global warming crisis to make ‘concrete commitments’ to aiding developing countries such as India with funding and technology – while insisting that India could not agree to binding emissions targets. India, he said, must bargain for large-scale subsidies from the West for developing solar power, and Western funds must be made available for geo-engineering projects to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere.
As a vegetarian Hindu, Dr Pachauri repeated his call for the world to eat less meat to cut down on methane emissions (as usual he made no mention of what was to be done about India’s 400 million sacred cows). He further called for a ban on serving ice in restaurants and for meters to be fitted to all hotel rooms, so that guests could be charged a carbon tax on their use of heating and air-conditioning.
One subject the talkative Dr Pachauri remains silent on, however, is how much money he is paid for all these important posts, which must run into millions of dollars. Not one of the bodies for which he works publishes his salary or fees, and this notably includes the UN, which refuses to reveal how much we all pay him as one of its most senior officials.
As for TERI itself, Dr Pachauri’s main job for nearly 30 years, it is so coy about money that it does not even publish its accounts – the financial statement amounts to two income and expenditure pie charts which contain no detailed figures.
Dr Pachauri is equally coy about TERI’s links with Tata, the company which set it up in the 1970s and whose name it continued to bear until 2002, when it was changed to just The Energy Research Institute. A spokesman at the time said ‘we have not severed our past relationship with the Tatas, the change is only for convenience’.
But the real question mark over TERI’s director-general remains over the relationship between his highly lucrative commercial jobs and his role as chairman of the IPCC.
TERI have, for example, become a preferred bidder for Kuwaiti contracts to clean up the mess left by Saddam Hussein in their oilfields in 1991. The $3 billion (£1.9 billion) cost of the contracts has been provided by the UN. If successful, this would be tenth time TERI have benefited from a contract financed by the UN.
Certainly no one values the services of TERI more than the EU, which has included Dr Pachauri’s institute as a partner in no fewer than 12 projects designed to assist in devising the EU’s policies on mitigating the effects of the global warming predicted by the IPCC.
But whether those 1,700 Corus workers on Teesside will next month be so happy to lose their jobs to India, thanks to the workings of that international ‘carbon market’ about which Dr Pachauri is so enthusiastic, is quite another matter.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/6847227/Questions-over-business-deals-of-UN-climate-change-guru-Dr-Rajendra-Pachauri.html

Poverty prime reason of child labour

BSS, Dhaka

Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Social Welfare Dr Alauddin Ahmed on Sunday said poverty is the prime reason for child labour and deprivation of education for children in the country.

He said parents-literate or illiterate, rich or poor-want to send their children to school, but poor parents fail to do it, not because they are unaware but because they are financially incapable.

Dr Alauddin was addressing as the chief guest a dissemination seminar titled "Poverty and Working Children Project", organized by Eminence, a research organization, in cooperation with the Save the Children UK at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin and First Secretary of European Commission Lean-Jacques Lauture addressed the seminar as special guests.

Chairman of Sonali Bank and professor of Dhaka University Abul Barakat presided over the seminar. Acting Country Director of the Save the Children UK Saima Anwar was present.

Mentioning flaws in some laws, Dr Alauddin said it is difficult to convict the offenders in most cases under the laws on repression of women and children.

"In order to ensure rule of law, it is needed to reform laws," he added.

"Many women and men torture domestic workers, which often become difficult to prove before the court," he said mentioning his early career as a magistrate for five years.

He urged all concerned for changing mindset regarding child labour in order to ensure human rights.

Dr Alauddin emphasized incorporating the poor parents in the social safety net programme for ensuring their financial capability so that they feel encouraged in sending their children to school.

"We have to find out the financial reasons for which the parents are sending their children for labour in hazardous jobs," he said, adding that if incentives were given to the families, the number of dropouts would fall.

The government is working relentlessly for fulfilling its election pledges, he said, adding that "as part of it, the Right to Information Act was enacted and the Information Commission has been constituted."

All parliamentary standing committees were formed at the first session of parliament and those bodies are regularly holding meetings to monitor the activities of the concerned ministries, he said.

The issues on local government would be resolved by early next year allowing it to conduct activities in 24 fields at the grassroots level, he said. "As per the constitution, the government wants to run the state through the elected representatives at all stages."

He said: "Women have been empowered and as part of it, the election of women lawmakers were held at the first session of the ninth parliament."
http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/12/21/news0223.htm

Social equity? Not in govt jobs and promotions

Vineeta Pandey / DNA
Monday, December 21, 2009 2:42 IST

New Delhi: The government's social equity policy does not reflect in its functioning. Despite reservation for scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST) in government jobs and promotions, there is not a single SC at the secretary level.

Of the 874 central government officers posted at various levels, only 45 belong to SC and 23 to ST category. Not a single SC is among the 88 IAS officers posted as secretary in various central ministries. There are four secretaries who belong to ST category though.

Among the 66 additional secretaries, there is only one officer each from SC and ST category. Of the 249 joint secretaries, there are only 13 officers from SC and 9 from ST. And of the 471 director-level officers, only 31 are SC and 9 ST.

Upset with the disparity, the National Commission for SC (NCSC) has sought an explanation from the government. "We have asked the secretary of the department of personnel and training (DoPT) to explain this," commission chairman Buta Singh said. A commission member even hinted at bias. "There are many suitable people, but why are SCs/STs not picked up for top posts? One cannot rule out bias," NCSC member Mahendra Boddh said.

Dalit activist Udit Raj minced no words though. "The bias against competent SC/ST officers during the empanelment of joint secretaries stops them from becoming secretaries," he said.

DoPT clarified that officers on these posts are appointed on deputation from various cadres. Therefore, the percentage of SC/ST officers on these posts need not be the same as in their respective cadres. The posts of secretary, additional secretary and joint secretary in the ministries and departments are not promotion posts, like those in the ministry of external affairs where posts of these designations are cadre posts.

Under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS), the posts of secretary, additional secretary, joint secretary and director are filled with officers from various cadres, including state cadres, who are empanelled from a list of those who opt for deputation under the CSS.

"There is no provision of reservation for SCs/STs in these posts. However, at the time of empanelment, every effort is made to empanel SC/ST officers, if needed by adopting liberal benchmarks," said Prithviraj Chavan, minister of state in the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions.

An official claimed there is usually a shortfall of SC/ST officers during recruitment, which carries on till the end and is reflected in appointments of secretaries. UPSC had recommended only 34 candidates belonging to SC, 28 to ST and 136 to OBC during 2007-08, against 249 posts reserved for them in civil services, the official said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_social-equity-not-in-govt-jobs-and-promotions_1325848

Climate change also a public health issue

The recent UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen was organised on the background of the growing international acceptance that the environmental changes that modern society are witnessing are iatrogenic in nature and that corrective mechanisms should be put in place in order to reverse the trend of a gradually warming planet.

However, the fact that climate change is also a public health issue is not at the foremost of public consciousness despite the fact that our health can be affected by climate change through a number of ways:

Decrease in resources

The gradual decline in fresh water and arable land will be causes of insufficient potable water and malnutrition. The demand for such resources in an atmosphere of dwindling supply will also lead to the inexorable increase in levels of poverty, arguably the most important factor in public health.

Spread of infectious diseases

The change in mean temperature brings about subtle changes to an ecosystem's flora and more importantly, its fauna. Effects tend to include changes in range and seasonality of outbreaks. This is of a particular importance with regards to insect vectors especially mosquitoes and flies, who are together, the most dangerous animals known to man.

Natural disasters

People can be more directly affect by floods and famine; not only to such events predispose entire societies to diseases such as cholera and dehydration from heat waves, but entire working populations can be wiped out with the end result of psycho-social displacement that leads to further increase in healthcare inequalities and a decline in national economic growth.

Just as importantly, the factors that are said to contribute to global climate change can have just as devastating an impact to our personal health. This includes the increased rates of asthma exacerbations from air pollution and the growing epidemic of diabetes and coronary heart disease from our penchant to indulge in a meat-centred Western diet.

It is perhaps a relief then that mitigating climate change has the added effect of improving our health. In fact, the benefits can be more readily apparent when applied to our individual well- being as opposed to that of the planet.

There are many things that can we can do on a personal level. These activities do not need to be at the cutting edge of science, but rather more pragmatic day-to-day behavioural changes. These would include less aversion for the use of public transport, a reduction in the quantity of meat that we consume and decreasing the tendency to overuse air-conditioners. There are plenty of resources, especially over the Internet, from which one is able to reach for a comprehensive list of advice.

The Malaysian federal and state governments should also be more discriminating when taking up their roles in these matters.

From a healthcare point of view, appropriate resources should be allocated or obtained to serve areas that are most in need of assistance. It is a known contradiction that those who need the most healthcare input tend to be those who have the least access to it.

Plans should already be in place to ensure that our healthcare system is able to cope with any surge in capacity, and that we have improved surveillance mechanisms to detect changes in disease progression. It would also be useful to invest in training the workforce and encouraging further promotion of public health issues, as at the end of the day, changes will only be able to be implemented if there are sufficient public education and awareness.

More generically, policies can be implemented to help limit the effects of climate change as well as its detrimental effects on our health. These would include tax breaks for green entrepreneurship, promoting competition to boost the anaemic state of our public transport system and even gradually decreasing the subsidy that is given for fuel consumption.

The caveat is that these policies will need to be introduced in a step-wise and practical fashion; we will need to prevent the introduction of negative health effects such as exposure to traffic danger when crossing the road to the nearest LRT station.

Change is never easy and politicians might be reluctant to introduce changes that might displease the rakyat. Unfortunately, we will all have to bite the bullet soon and make the conscious decision to take steps to improve not only the state of our health, but the fragile state of our planet.

Although Lord Stern (who released an economic report of climate change for the UK government) has described the Copenhagen summit as the most important since the end of the Second World War, it is clear that we cannot rely on the actions of governments to push ahead with the agenda for change - at the end of the day, we should take individual responsibility for our actions and not leave it to the state

http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/120319

16-12-09

2009-12-16T15:55:00.000+05:30

Mining – India

1. Vedanta seeks Orissa's help to restrict intl NGOs movement
2. HC reprieve to Reddy brothers, setback for AP
3. Open cast mining
4. Vedanta braces for fresh trouble at proposed Orissa bauxite mining site
5. 246 applications for new mines pending in Goa
6. NTPC appoints consultant for mine buy
7. Chhattisgarh to start diamond mining in three years: Chief Minister
8. Coal India may develop mines with other firms - chairman

Mining – International

9. 25 Mindoreños run naked to protest mining
10. Black Lung on Rise in Mines, Reversing Trend
11. Safety Officials Blame Resurgence on Longer Shifts, Handling of Dust; Industry Working on Developing Better Technology, Practices
12. Violence predicted amid growing protests over Canadian mines in Mexico
13. New Gold Rises in Toronto After Mexican Mine Ruling (Update1)
14. Mining company surrenders claim to native land in $5-million settlement, opening Ontario's far north

Other News

15. Devolvement of powers to Panchayats
16. Proactive steps to eliminate child labour
17. Mining rights of different minerals in the country

Mining – India

Vedanta seeks Orissa's help to restrict intl NGOs movement

Press Trust of India / New Delhi December 15, 2009, 16:17 IST

Vedanta Group has asked Orissa government to restrict entry of foreign NGOs in the area where it proposes to mine bauxite, as part of its $8-billion project in the state, saying they were instigating locals.
"These NGOs comprising Survival International and Action Aid are instigating locals to go to the hill top, where we have proposed to mine bauxite, and set up houses.
Orissa government has already said there is no tribal population in our proposed mining site. Such efforts by these NGOs are aimed at harming the project and investments in the state at large, their movement has to be regulated," Vedanta Aluminium COO Mukesh Kumar told PTI.
Vedanta Aluminium, subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, has already written to the state's Home Ministry seeking restrictions on movement of such foreign nationals, besides investigation into their source of funding, he said.
When contacted Survival International's spokesperson said, "Survival International does not oppose industrial development. But where, as in this case, industrial projects take place on the land of indigenous people, they have a right to be consulted at the very least. Vedanta has not bothered to do this."
On the contrary, the NGO said, the metal company has "launched an unprecedented attack on Survival International, apparently to drive its researchers out of an area where the company is planning to mine."
However, Kumar added, "They (foreign NGOs) are enemy of industrial development in the state. If such NGOs and foreign nationals have come on tourist visas, why are they camping in jungles of Kalahandi, Rayagada. They should go to places like Puri. If they do not abide by rules, they should be sent back," he added.
Kumar said the influx of foreigners has gained momentum after Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh instituted a probe into the allegations of illegal bauxite mining by the firm in joint venture with Orissa Mining Corporation at Niyamgiri.
When contacted, Action Aid Orissa Head Dhandari Jaina said, "We are working for the cause of the most marginalised population. Everyone knows what we do and what we are doing."
Vedanta has got an "in-principle" approval from the state government to start mining at the proposed site. It is awaiting clearance from the Union Environment Ministry.
Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty had said that "not a single family of Dangaria Kandha tribe lived at the proposed mining area, located between Rayagada and Kalahandi districts" and there would be no displacement.
But, the proposed mining project has reportedly been facing protest from locals and foreign NGOs over allegation of tribal displacement contrary to Mohanty's assertion.
The green bench of the Supreme Court had last year given its approval to the project. Vedanta Resources has planned an investment of $8 billion (around Rs 37,000 crore) in the state across its projects in the power and aluminium sector.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/vedanta-seeks-orissa\s-help-to-restrict-intl-ngos-movement/80869/on

HC reprieve to Reddy brothers, setback for AP

15 Dec 2009, 0524 hrs IST, ET Bureau

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government suffered yet another setback in its attempt to curb the Reddy brothers of Bellary after the AP high

court put on hold a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged illegal mining along the state’s border with Karnataka.

The CBI investigation, which was requested by the state, has been stayed for six weeks, providing a reprieve to the embattled Reddy brothers and the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) which they run. On Friday, the same court put on hold a November 25 decision by the government to suspend iron ore mining operations in the Anantapur area.

Government officials said Andhra plans to appeal against both orders in the Supreme Court. The Congress government is in the throes of a crisis triggered by the agitation for a separate state Telangana. A top bureaucrat remarked the Telangana agitation is a deliberate ploy to try and divert attention from illegal mining.

“It is unfortunate that the judiciary and the legislature have differences in this case. It shows inefficiency on the part of the government,” said TDP leader Revanth Reddy.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/HC-reprieve-to-Reddy-brothers-setback-for-AP/articleshow/5338384.cms

Open cast mining

15:37 IST
LOK SABHA

The Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said that as per available information, majority of mineral raising in India is carried out by open cast mining. Open cast mining is a method of mining in which excavation or cut is made at the surface of ground for purpose of extracting ore and which is open to the surface for the duration of mine’s life.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Shri B.K. Handique said that some instances of opposition by local people to mining has come to the notice of Government, which includes Andhra Pradesh also. The local people have mainly opposed mining on the grounds of damage to environment and infrastructure and displacement of local population. The Central Government has enunciated National Mineral Policy 2008, which seeks to develop a sustainable framework for optimum utilization of the country’s natural mineral resources for the industrial growth in the country and at the same time improving the life of people living in the mining areas, which are generally located in the backward and tribal regions of the country.

*****

NSK/AK
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=55918

Vedanta braces for fresh trouble at proposed Orissa bauxite mining site

15 Dec 2009, 0214 hrs IST, Rakhi Mazumdar, ET Bureau

KOLKATA: Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Aluminium (VAL) is bracing for fresh trouble at its proposed bauxite mining site in Orissa, even as local

authorities gave a report to the Naveen Patnaik government stating that the company had not violated any government guidelines.

Significantly, Vedanta’s proposed bauxite mining operation is critically linked to VAL’s Rs 11,000-crore aluminium project in the state. While it has already commissioned its alumina refinery at Lanjingarh, the company has been unable to start work at Niyamgiri, the chosen site of its captive bauxite mining operations. For the moment, VAL has approvals to mine up to 3 million tonne of ore per annum for its project.

Vedanta’s fears stem from the fact that it is yet to even kick off in the Niyamgiri hills, even a year after it received the go-ahead from the Supreme Court in August 2008. In a letter to the police superintendents of Rayagada and Kalahandi last week, Vedanta COO-Lanjigarh Mukesh Kumar, said: “We are seeing increased movement of foreigners from various countries in the area. We also came to know that several confrontations have taken place in various villages between tribals and foreigners, and we apprehend that this may lead to some serious law and order situations.”

The Vedanta official’s letter added: “We request your immediate action in this regard, so that outsiders do not get a chance to instigate local tribals against the government of Orissa or the project.”

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/metals-mining/Vedanta-braces-for-fresh-trouble-at-proposed-Orissa-bauxite-mining-site/articleshow/5338205.cms

246 applications for new mines pending in Goa

2009-12-15 13:20:00

While Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat says there 'is no question' of allowing new mining leases in the state, official documents submitted in the assembly Tuesday show there are 246 applications for new leases.
In a written reply, Kamat, who also holds the mining portfolio, said 246 applications have been received for 'prospecting of major minerals in the state during the last two years'.
Goa's hinterland has seen a string of agitations against illegal mining and granting of new mining leases.
In another written reply, the mines and geology department stated Goa exported nearly 30 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008-09.
Top exporters include two Vedanta-owned companies -- Sesa Goa, which accounted for 10 million tonnes, and Dempo, despatching 4.3 million tonnes.
The government also said nearly Rs.27 crore was earned as royalty from the 107 legally operational mines in the state.
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has alleged in the assembly that one-fifth of the ore exported from Goa annually was illegally extracted.
'The illegal mining industry in Goa is worth Rs.700 crore and is 18 percent of the total extraction,' said Parrikar, also a former chief minister.

http://sify.com/news/246-applications-for-new-mines-pending-in-Goa-news-National-jmpnudcbief.html

NTPC appoints consultant for mine buy

Neeraj Thakur / DNA
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:01 IST
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New Delhi: NTPC, the largest power generator in the country, has appointed a new consultant for acquisition of a coal mine it has identified in Indonesia.

The state-owned company had earlier hired Australia's Macquarie Bank to do the due diligence for another mine in the same country.
"We are working fast on our acquisition plans and will announce the name of the consultant as well as the mine very soon. Right now, I cannot announce the name due to confidentiality of the issue," R S Sharma, chairman and managing director, NTPC said.
NTPC is facing an acute shortage of coal at its projects across the country.
The power producer has a total coal requirement of 125 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and had planned to meet demand by importing over 12 mt this fiscal. However, it is likely to get only around 6 mt coal this fiscal.
NTPC has a total capacity of 30,644 mw, of which more than a quarter is coal-based.
Procedural and infrastructure delays have already upset its captive coal mining plans.
NTPC has already announced plans to acquire coal mines in Mozambique and South Africa. The company had earlier tried to buy stake in coal mines in Australia, too.
The PSU will begin operations at its first coal mine, Pakri Barwadih, in Jharkhand by March 2011.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_ntpc-appoints-consultant-for-mine-buy_1323811

Chhattisgarh to start diamond mining in three years: Chief Minister

Tags: By Sujeet Kumar Raipur
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(Source: IANS)
Published: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 at 11:51 IST
By Sujeet Kumar
Raipur: Mineral-rich Chhattisgarh is expected to start mining for diamonds in two-three years with a host of domestic and global players having prospected for this precious allotrope of carbon in seven districts, Chief Minister Raman Singh has said.

"Prospecting by certain companies for diamond exploration is in an advanced stage. These companies are now closing in on areas where sufficient evidence of diamond reserves has been found," Singh told IANS in an interview.

"The state will start mining diamonds in two-three years."

Some dozen domestic and global companies, including the London- and Melbourne-based Rio Tinto and Jindal Steel and Power, are already engaged in diamond prospecting in seven districts of the state, mining department sources said.

Chhattisgarh has rich deposits of 28 minerals, including diamonds.

The state government had awarded a prospecting licence to a company named B. Vijaykumar Chhattisgarh Exploration in 2000 for the area that lies close to the Orissa border, the sources said.

But the licence was cancelled in early 2001 even though the company had confirmed that the site had rich stocks of high-quality diamonds.

The chief minister also said that steps were being taken to ensure that there were no illegal mining activities at Pailikhand, another confirmed diamond-rich site in the state's Raipur district.

"A police outpost will be set up soon with about 25-30 policemen to guard the reserves."

Since mid-July, hundreds of people were rushing daily to a fenced portion of Pailikhand village, 150 km from here, to sieve the soil for the precious stones, after the police deployed at the site were withdrawn.

The government reportedly could not provide housing and other basic facilities to them.

http://www.samaylive.com/news/chhattisgarh-to-start-diamond-mining-in-three-years-chief-minister/670651.html

Coal India may develop mines with other firms - chairman

Published on Mon, Dec 14, 2009 at 17:04 | Updated at Mon, Dec 14, 2009 at 17:23 | Source : Reuters

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State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL), will not allot neglected coking coal blocks to other companies, but is open to work jointly with them to develop these blocks, a top official told reporters.
"These blocks are owned by CIL. We will not hand over any blocks to any company. We are open to working with them jointly under some arrangements," Chairman Partha. S. Bhattacharyya said on Monday.
On Saturday, the Financial Express newspaper reported Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and Tata Steel had asked the government to allocate CIL's neglected coking coal blocks to them for exploration.

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"We have identified a coking coal block with a reserve of 7 million tones, under the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), which would be developed jointly by Coal India and Tata Steel," Bhattacharya said on the sidelines of an industry body meet.
Coal India is also in talks with SAIL for developing another 7-8 blocks, he added.
The coal miner has shortlisted 12 companies to form partnerships for importing coal and developing mining properties abroad, Bhattacharyya said.
"We will start the final selection today, and the entire process is expected to be over by March 2010," he said.
CIL's production in the current financial year is expected to touch 435 million tonnes from 403.73 million tonnes last year, he added.
Coal India, which plans an initial public offering next fiscal, plans to invest up to 30 billion rupees for equity stakes in domestic as well as international mine projects, he said.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/economy/coal-india-may-develop-minesother-firms-chairman_430731.html

Mining – International

25 Mindoreños run naked to protest mining

INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:40:00 12/15/2009

Filed Under: Protest, Mining and quarrying, Environmental Issues
MANILA, Philippines— Chanting “No to Mindoro mining,” 25 fratmen ran through downtown Calapan City Tuesday in their birthday suit, a local news site reported.
The 25 members of the Alpha Phi Omega Calapan sprinted naked as the fraternity’s “simple way” of protesting large-scale mineral exploitation on Mindoro island, The Mindoro Post wrote, quoting Mario Ramos, APO grand chancellor of the Divine Word College of Calapan chapter.
“We do not have enough resources to fight big miningcompanies like Intex Resources. But in this simple way, we know that we can urge others to join the call to stop mining in their own way,” Ramos said of the 30-minute run.
He said the 25 “Oblation runners” symbolized the 25-year ban on large-scale mining in Mindoro.
APO Calapan president Boy Ricaflanca said the fraternity’s traditional “Oblation Run” was also carried out with the same theme in at least two other towns in Oriental Mindoro.
“There are other associations of APO in other municipalities like Victoria and Roxas that conducted ‘Oblation Run’,” Ricaflanca said on The Mindoro Post.
“This is our support for the Mindoreños’ call to stop Mindoro Nickel Project and the newly-approved Agusan Mining where four municipalities are covered,” he said.
At least three big mining firms have been given clearances by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct mineral explorations on the island.
Norway-based Intex Resources is fighting a DENR order temporarily revoking its environmental compliance certificate to mine an area of 11,216.6 hectares in the towns of Victoria, Pola and Socorro in Oriental Mindoro and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro.
The DENR also allowed Pitkin Ltd to conduct oil exploration in portions of the towns of Sablayan, Calintaan, Rizal, San Jose and Magsaysay in Occidental Mindoro and in Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.
Agusan Petroleum meanwhile has exploration permit in Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro and in the resorttown of Puerto Galera and nearby San Teodoro in Oriental Mindoro.
The local governments of Mindoro, together with members of the Catholic church and civil society groups, have declared the mining activities as illegal, citing the large-scale mining prohibitions of Mindoro.
On Saturday, an ordinance ordering a 25-year mining moratorium came into force in Occidental Mindoro. A similar ban has been in effect in Oriental Mindoro since 2002.
On November 27, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza ordered a temporary revocation of the mining clearance issued for Intex’s Mindoro Nickel Project following an 11-day hunger strike staged by Mangyans, community leaders and church people from Mindoro.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20091215-242173/25-Mindoreos-run-naked-to-protest-mining

Black Lung on Rise in Mines, Reversing Trend

Safety Officials Blame Resurgence on Longer Shifts, Handling of Dust; Industry Working on Developing Better Technology, Practices
•
Landov
Black lung accounts for more miner deaths than do accidents. Here, Jay Gowdy operates a shearer along a coal face in April 2008 in Greene County, Pa.
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Rates of black-lung disease are growing, most notably among younger miners, reversing decades of progress and prompting more federal scrutiny and calls to lower exposure to coal dust.
The increase, which federal mine safety officials attributed in part to longer work shifts and companies' uneven dust-mitigation practices, could put a further strain on the industry-financed trust fund set up to compensate disabled miners and their families.
Black lung, the common name for coal worker's pneumoconiosis, is caused by inhaling coal dust over a prolonged period. This can lead to fibrosis, destruction of lung tissue and greater risk of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis.
The Black Lung Disability Trust, funded by a tax on coal companies, has paid out about $44 billion in benefits over the past 40 years to miners totally disabled by black lung or to their widows. The fund had a deficit of $10 billion in 2007, before a law was passed to eliminate the debt by issuing bonds. A Labor Department spokesman said the plan to work down the debt is on track and $343 million in bond obligations was retired in September.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has found that roughly 9% of workers with 25 years or more in mines tested positive for black lung in 2005-2006, the latest published data, up from about 4% in the late 1990s. The rates also doubled for people with 20 to 24 years in mining, including many in their 30s and 40s, according to NIOSH, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Black lung accounts for more deaths than do mine accidents, including explosions and cave-ins. More than 10,000 miners have died from the disease during the past decade, compared with fewer than 400 from mine accidents.
"It is time to end black lung," said Joe Main, assistant secretary of labor in charge of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, as he addressed more than 200 miners gathered last week at a Ramada Inn here. MSHA, which is part of the Labor Department and enforces federal mining law, will consider proposing regulations to cut in half the permissible levels of coal dust in mines and to require miners to wear dust monitors throughout their shifts.

Today dust levels are measured periodically at mines and then only for eight hours at a time to comply with federal law. MSHA is working on introducing a new type of monitor that could be worn by every miner and provide continuous feedback on dust levels so miners could leave an area if they have reached their daily exposure limit.
Some miners worry that more-productive mining machinery may be churning up more dust. "Back in the old days those guys suffered through a lot, but we're generating a lot of coal and there's a lot of dust in the air," said 29-year-old Chuck Knisell, who works at a mine in Waynesburg, Pa.
The National Mining Association, an industry trade group, said that while it wasn't challenging the general trend of disease rates, it hasn't seen detailed data that would indicate what jobs were done by miners screened by NIOSH, or what mines were represented in the data.
Luke Popovich, a spokesman for the association, said the industry is working closely with MSHA and NIOSH to develop better dust-monitoring technology and practices. He declined to comment on whether longer shifts or uneven dust mitigation practices could be leading to an increase in the incidence of black lung among miners. The association declined to comment on new regulations to reduce coal-dust limits until details were announced.
A federal effort to eliminate black lung was launched in 1969 with the passage of the federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, which set coal-dust standards for mines and provided compensation for those affected. The battle was thought to be largely won through practices such as spraying water at the mine face, as well as the dwindling number of miners working in underground mines.
Safety officials believe the increase could also reflect longer workshifts in recent years when production was high and miners were in short supply, increasing dust exposure. They also note that much of the easily accessible underground coal has been mined, and companies are increasingly dependent on thinner coal seams. This requires cutting through rock, which creates more dust.
Preston Butt, 79, developed black lung after working 34 years in an underground mine. Speaking in a croaky voice at the miner's meeting, he said it was only after about 30 years that his co-workers noticed he was breathing harder. He now sleeps hooked up to a tank of oxygen and can't garden or hunt. "Coal mining did provide me a pretty good life financially, but now I can't do anything."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126083871040391327.html

The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Violence predicted amid growing protests over Canadian mines in Mexico

By: Romina Maurino, THE CANADIAN PRESS
14/12/2009 6:12 PM | Comments: 0

TORONTO - The death of a Mexican activist who strongly opposed the presence of a Canadian company in his hometown is predicted to spur violent protests this week, with supporters already furious over his slaying suggesting a weekend clash at another Canadian-owned mine is a sign of things to come.
"This is only the beginning; people are very angry," said Gustavo Castro, with the group Otros Mundos in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
"There are all kinds of human rights violations, people's livelihoods have been threatened, residents are being threatened and mistreated, beaten or bullied."
"If there are more deaths there will be more deaths, but these companies are leaving."
Activist Mariano Abarca Roblero, a 51-year-old community leader who had been campaigning against a barite mine operated by a subsidiary of Calgary-based Blackfire Exploration, was gunned down in front of his home in southern Chiapas last month.
The three men arrested in Abarca Roblero's death have ties to Blackfire, a corporation his supporters blame for his death.
The company denies any connection to the killing. It also says the company is run ethically and to Canadian standards and follows all the environmental guidelines.
Local anti-mining groups and Abarca Roblero supporters have vowed to continue their opposition despite the loss of their leader, and plan a rally Friday, with a second one scheduled a few days later.
Organizers believe there will be more violence and Castro says he expects more as many as 5,000 to take part.
"The Frente Amplio Opositor, or FAO, and those who have worked with Mariano have all received threats," said Castro.
"It's not a safe place, people always turn up dead, and this is yet another excuse."
The anti-mining group says community members received death threats Friday while protesting in the Mexican village of Cerro de San Pedro, where Vancouver's New Gold Inc. owns an open-pit gold and silver mine operated by its Mexican subsidiary, Minera San Xavier or MSX.
"FAO members Ernest Garcia, Ivette Lacaba and James Del Tedesco were all hit and injured, while both Garcia and Del Tedesco were robbed of their cameras," the group alleged in a statement.
"Several of the people attacked were elderly."
The group alleges federal parliamentarians were stoned in their vehicles by mine employees as they attempted to visit the village the following day, while the Mendoza Pence family, who have spearheaded the village's anti-mine campaign for over a decade, have been receiving death threats.
Castro said members of the anti-mining group were attacked by a group of about 100 mine supporters that included workers and company executives.
"Workers and executives beat and stoned the protesters, including women," said Castro.
"It's the same kind of thing that's happening here - the death threats start and then the violence escalates."
But new Gold CEO Robert Gallagher said he hadn't received any "concrete" evidence of stoning or other violence near the mine, adding the company in no way condoned aggression and has always instructed its local workers to stay away from protests or demonstrations.
"They did not meet a group of our employers; they met a group of villagers and now obviously as MSX is the largest employer in the area I'm sure some of those villagers were MSX employees but they certainly weren't there on behalf of MSX," Gallagher said in an interview from Vancouver.
"We've gone to great extent to counsel and instruct our employees not to get involved in any kind of demonstration or any kind of outreach that could lead to any sort of violence."
Gallagher added that the reports he's received from Friday's incident are "mixed," and said that while there was "heated debate and discussion," he's unaware of any kind of violence.
"Obviously what the people up there feel is that (this) is their livelihood and how they're going to feed their families so you can expect that with a group of outsiders trying to shut down their mine, people are, I guess, emotional," Gallagher said.
The mine was forced to close because of a Supreme Court decision cancelling its environmental permit in November, but all workers were kept employed as the company fought the closure.
Gallagher said the courts granted an injunction to lift the suspension order Monday, and he hopes to have the mine up and running in a few days.
The shutdown had nothing to do with pollution, he added, but rather a legal technicality about how the environmental assessment was filed.
The Blackfire mine, for its part, remains closed while that company works with government officials to review its environmental issues.
Blackfire president Brent Willis has said the Mexican mine was run in an environmentally responsible way, and explained it was shut down by state authorities because the company was not properly removing dust from the roads, and did not obtain proper permits for both a road and CO2 emissions from new mining equipment.
Willis has also said Blackfire has tried to work with local members of the community, many of whom he said appreciate the company and the employment and local business it brings.
The company invited protesters, including Abarca Roblero, to come to the site to see environmental safeguards in place, but none would come, he has said.
Abarca Roblero's death is still under investigation.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/79263702.html

New Gold Rises in Toronto After Mexican Mine Ruling (Update1)

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By Rob Delaney
Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- New Gold Inc., the Canadian miner with operations in the Americas and Australia, rose in Toronto after it said a Mexican court temporarily overturned an order to suspend mining at the company’s Cerro San Pedro site.
New Gold climbed 45 cents, or 13 percent, to C$3.84 at 4:15 p.m. in Toronto Stock Exchange trading, the biggest one-day gain since May 12. The shareshave more than doubled this year.
The court overturned a ruling by an environmental enforcement agency that suspended production at the mine in central Mexico, the Vancouver-based company said in a statement. The decision will allow mining operations to resume through the duration of an appeal, New Gold said.
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision and view this as an important interim step as we continue to work with the government and administrative bodies to find a permanent and mutually beneficial solution,” Chief Executive Officer Robert Gallagher said in the statement.
Cerro San Pedro will produce as much as 100,000 ounces this year, compared with 84,600 ounces in 2008, New Gold says on its Web site.
To contact the reporter on this story: Rob Delaney in Toronto atrobdelaney@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: December 14, 2009 16:20 EST
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=asMOOELUzv2I

Mining company surrenders claim to native land in $5-million settlement, opening Ontario's far north

TORONTO — From Tuesday's Globe and MailPublished on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 12:00AM ESTLast updated on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 3:32AM EST
The Ontario government is signalling that the province's far north is open to business with the settlement of a lawsuit pitting a tiny exploration company against a native band.
The government announced yesterday that it will pay Platinex Inc. $5-million to surrender its exploration claims near Big Trout Lake in Northern Ontario. Platinex has also agreed to drop its lawsuit against the province and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation, a fly-in community 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay that vowed to stop the company from drilling for platinum on its traditional lands.
The settlement comes just as pressure is growing to open up the northern wilderness. Fast-growing, emerging countries such as China and India are helping to drive up commodity prices, and that has led to unprecedented exploration in Ontario. The number of exploration claims in the Ring of Fire, a mining exploration area in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario, has more than doubled to 8,200 over the past two years.
The settlement lifts the uncertainty that has hung over those proposals.
"There's no question that finding a resolution to this very, very difficult situation brings closure to a chapter that certainly in the history of the province is a relief for almost everyone," Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, said in an interview yesterday.
Anna Baggio, director of conservation land-use planning with Wildlands League, an environmental group working with the community known as KI, said she is relieved at the settlement, but has mixed feelings about the money Platinex will receive.
"Nobody likes to see bad behaviour rewarded," she said yesterday.
KI chief Donny Morris and five other residents were sentenced to six months in jail last year for disobeying a court order to allow the Toronto-based company to explore on their territory. After they served almost 10 weeks, the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled in May, 2008, that the sentences were too harsh and reduced them to time served.
Christopher Reid, a lawyer representing KI, said the dispute could have been avoided if the government had negotiated a land-use plan with the community.
"KI never wanted taxpayers to have to pick up the tab for this," he said.
The province has since reformed the province's mining rules, but the portion that would introduce a new mechanism for addressing disputes has not yet been proclaimed into law.
Ms. Baggio said the rapid increase in mining activity is turning the boreal forest into a "wild west free for all," where exploration is taking precedence over protecting a region that has remained virtually undisturbed by human activity since the glaciers retreated.
While the Ontario government has declared a huge swath of land in the boreal forest off limits to industrial development, it has not yet drawn the boundaries for the areas to be protected.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mining-company-surrenders-claim-to-native-land-in-5-million-settlement-opening-ontarios-far-north/article1400545/s

Energy, mine sectors lead market higher

December 15, 2009 - 5:59PM
AAP
The Australian share market closed higher with the energy and mining sectors leading the way on stronger commodity prices and merger activity.
At 1615 AEDT the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 19.5 points, or 0.42 per cent, at 4,673.5, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 19.6 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 4,687.8.
On the Sydney Futures Exchange, the December share price index contract was six points lower at 4,668, on volume of 99,030 contracts.
After reaching an intraday high of 4,691 the S&P/ASX200 dropped in early-afternoon trade before recovering some ground ahead of the close.
IG Markets analyst Cameron Peacock said the gains came in all sectors but the energy, healthcare and property sectors led the way as volumes remained low ahead of Christmas.
Among the oil companies, Santos gained five cents to $13.61 and Oil Search was almost 2.2 per cent higher, up 12 cents, to $5.52, while Woodside remained in a trading halt at $47.18.
After suffering from recent falls in oil prices, the sector was buoyed by the acquisition of explorer XTO Energy by US oil giant ExxonMobil, traders said.
The big miners were also higher, with BHP Billiton up 45 cents at $41.10 and rival miner Rio Tinto adding 34 cents to $70.85.
"The weaker US dollar overnight and broadly higher base metal prices are also seeing our miners back in vogue today," Mr Peacock said.
"Whether the apparent easing of the Dubai debt situation and quietening speculation of US rate hikes is enough to reinvigorate the risk trade is yet to be determined."
Gold stocks were also higher, with Lihir Gold up four cents at $3.30 and Newcrest adding 71 cents to $35.89.
At 1622 AEDT, the spot price of gold in Sydney was $US1,124.50 per fine ounce, down $US1.78 US cents on Monday's closing price of $US1,126.28.
Among the banks, Commonwealth lost eight cents to $52.72, Westpac gained nine cents to $23.80, National Australia Bank added two cents to $27.99 and ANZ rose 27 cents to $21.43.
AXA shares gained six cents to $5.78 while AMP dropped three cents to $6.20.
Among other insurers, QBE was 17 cents higher at $23.34 and Suncorp-Metway lost six cents to $8.48.
In the property sector, Mirvac added 5.5 cents to $1.515, Stockland lifted by four cents to $3.93 and GPT Group closed up one cent to 57 cents.
GPT said on Tuesday it had sold another two non-core assets to reduce its exposure to the volatile tourism sector.
Pharmaceuticals maker CSL added 22 cents to $30.60 and Primary Healthcare was up 14 cents to $5.83.
Making news, wealth manager Perpetual bought advisory firm Fordham Group for $35 million as it sought to expand its business among high net worth individuals.
Perpetual was up five cents to $36.89.
Apollo Gas, a holder of exploration licences in NSW, doubled its share price 40 cents after its stock exchange listing.
Qantas gained two cents to $2.69 and Virgin Blue Holdings lost one cent to 55 cents.
Telstra shed four cents to $3.49.
Empire Oil and Gas was the top traded stock by turnover, with 114.4 million shares changing hands for $1.33 million.
Empire shares lost 0.1 cents, or 7.69 per cent, to 1.2 cents.
Preliminary national turnover reached 2.17 billion shares, worth $4.18 billion, with 558 stocks up, 512 down and 333 steady.
© 2009 AAP

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/energy-mine-sectors-lead-market-higher-20091215-ksnj.html

Other News

Devolvement of powers to Panchayats

________________________________________
16:24 IST
RAJYA SABHA

Union Panchayati Raj Minister Dr. C.P.Joshi today informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government proposes to amend Article 243 D of the Constitution for granting 50% reservation to women in seats and offices of Chairpersons in Panchayats at each level.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Tenth Amendment) Bill, 2009 was introduced in Parliament on 26th November, 2009.

The Bill proposes to raise the reservation for women from the present one-third to 50% of the total number of seats and offices of Chairpersons at each level. The reservation of 50% for women is also proposed in the total number of seats and offices of Chairpersons reserved in favour of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Article 243G of the Constitution provides that the State legislatures may take steps to endow the Panchayats with powers to plan, implement and monitor schemes for economic development and social justice. States are to make necessary provision in their respective legislation to devolve powers to the Panchayats.

Dr. C.P.Joshi was replying to a written whether the Government proposes to amend the Constitution for granting 50 per cent reservation to women in Panchayat bodies and if so, the likely date for introduction along with the essential features of the proposed Bill. Also, any likely proposal to amend the Constitution to make it mandatory to devolve certain powers to Panchayats.

*****

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=55929

Proactive steps to eliminate child labour

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
________________________________________
12:28 IST
The Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has said that every effort would be made to eliminate the menace of child labour from the country. Addressing the Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry, Shri Kharge said that child labour is directly linked to abject poverty and hence difficult to eliminate, yet the Centre, on its part has taken proactive steps to contain and gradually eliminate the child labour.

Shri Kharge also said that his Ministry would approach the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission to enhance the annual allocation for the National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) Scheme which is presently Rs. 100 crore for the year 2009-10.

The Minister also assured the Members that the Centre would also strengthen the monitoring mechanism to ensure that the Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other agencies engaged in the task of implementing NCLP scheme, make the best use of monetary resources provided to them. In this task, he said, the proactive measures are also required from the State Governments. He said that the commitment of NGOs engaged in the task is vital for the success of projects being run for mainstreaming the rescued child labourers.

Shri Kharge said that he would discuss the implementation of NCLP with the State Labour Ministers very soon. For this, and also to discuss other labour related issues, a national level meeting of the State Labour Minister would be convened, the Minister announced.

The Minister pointed out that the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme and the Right to Education act would help in containing the menace of child labour.

Participating in the discussion, the Members lauded the scheme but expressed concern over the fact that the annual allocation for the implementation of the NCLP is only Rs. 100 Crore which is even less than the previous year’s allocation of Rs. 160 Crore. The also suggested that the Stipend amount needs to be raised from the present Rs. 100 per child and similarly, the amount of Rs. 5/- per child for nutritional food should also be enhanced. Members suggested to commission a survey to monitor the implementation of the NCLP and also to assess the management of the schools being run for the children who have been rescued from the child labour.

The Consultative Committee Meeting also discussed the issue of Registration of the Trade Unions. The Members said that though they do not have any complaint against the process of registration of Unions at the Central level, there are numerous problems at some state level labour offices. They said that the regional labour offices being run by the States, are sometimes reluctant to register the Unions. One Member suggested that the Union Government should take steps to improve the situation and amend the concerned law to set a definite time-frame for registration of the Union when the formalities are completed within stipulated time.

The Minister assured the Members that every aspect would be looked into and necessary steps would be taken after due consultations.

The Minister of State Shri Harish Rawat also participated in the Meeting and said that his Ministry would work out the detailed planning for the effective implementation of the NCLP Scheme.

Shri Prabhat C. Chaturvedi, Secretary (Labour & Employment) and other senior officials of the Ministry also participated in the Meeting.

The Members who attended the meeting were; S/Shri Gurudas Dasgupta, Anandrao V. Adsul, R.K. Singh Patel, N. Peethambara Kurup and Shri Narayan Singh Kesari.
*******

VBA/RS

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=55888

Mining rights of different minerals in the country
________________________________________
15:38 IST
LOK SABHA

The Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K. Handique has said that reports of irregularity in allotment of mining rights of different minerals in the country have recently come to the notice of the Ministry of Mines. However, specific details thereof have not come to the notice of the Ministry. The State Governments are the owner of the minerals located within their respective boundaries. They grant the mineral concessions [Reconnaissance Permit (RP), Prospecting Licence (PL) and Mining Lease (ML)] under the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957. Prior approval of the Central Government is required under Section 5 (1) of the Act for grant of RP, PL and ML in respect of the minerals specified in Parts ‘B’ and ‘C’ of the First Schedule to the Act.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, he said, the Ministry of Mines is conscious of the need to have a transparent and efficient system for processing the mineral concession cases. In pursuance of the National Mineral Policy, 2008, which inter alia enunciates adoption of quick and transparent procedures for grant of mineral concessions, the Ministry has taken several steps in this direction, as mentioned below:

i. A Central Coordination-cum-Empowered Committee has been constituted in the Ministry of Mines to monitor and minimize delays in grant of approvals for mineral concessions. The Committee consists of the Central Ministries/Departments concerned and the Secretaries in charge of Mining & Geology in the States. The first meeting of the Committee was held in the Ministry on 24.7.2009. The second meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held on 22.12.2009.

ii. The State Governments have been advised to similarly constitute Coordination Committee at the State level.

iii. The Ministry of Mines is using the internet services to bring about more accessibility and transparency in processing the mineral concession proposals recommended by the State Governments. The website of the Ministry (www.mines.nic.in) provides all information on the current status of the applications for mineral concessions. These services are being further enhanced to track the process from approval for grant to execution of concession agreement.

iv. The Ministry has, in consultation with the State Governments, issued detailed guidelines on 24.6.2009 in order to bring more clarity in processing the mineral concession proposals.

v. The Ministry has framed a Model State Mineral Policy and circulated it to all State Governments on 12.10.2009 with the request to finalise and adopt a Mineral Policy as per their priority and requirements.

vi. Procedures for revision under Section 30 of the MMDR Act, 1957 are being streamlined to reduce delays in disposal of revision applications.

vii. All instances of corruption and illegal mining practices coming to the notice are taken up with State Governments with utmost seriousness and followed up.

*****

NSK/AK

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=55888

24-11-09

2009-11-24T15:29:00.000+05:30

Mining – India

1. AP government to abide by court orders on mining
2. Plant more trees in mining areas, appeals Patil
3. Nationalisation not solution for illegal mining: Jethmalani
4. Illegal Mining Units
5. GSI’s role in identification of mineral reserves
6. Mining scam rocks House

Mining – International

7. China mine 'overcrowded'
8. Mine held too many workers
9. China's push for higher coal output is blamed in deaths of 104.
10. How bizarre fight over mines skews the agenda

Other News

11. Common Service Centres
12. Energy production through wind mills
13. Mega Solar Energy initiative
14. Minimum support price for forest produce
15. Discussion on Climate Change Policy for National Consensus
16. Various Schemes to Increase Forest Cover
17. Aims and objectives of National Green Tribunal

Mining – India

AP government to abide by court orders on mining

BS Reporter / Hyderabad November 24, 2009, 0:35 IST

Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah said here that the ruling Cong-ress government would abide by the apex court’s verdict on the alleged irregularities by mining firm Obalapuram Mining Company (OMC) in the Bellary reserve forest of Anantapur district.
OMC is owned by Karnataka tourism minister Gali Janardhan Reddy.
“Our government will act if the Supreme Court issues any directions on the basis of the report of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) appointed by the apex court on the mining issue,” the chief minister said.
The CEC, in its report submitted to the court on November 20, established illegal mining activity in Anantapur district bordering Karnataka and recommended that the mining in the region be stopped till the boundaries of all mining lease holders are clearly demarcated.
Lashing out at Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu’s allegation that he (Rosaiah) was trying to protect Janardhan Reddy’s OMC, the chief minister challenged Naidu to debate on the allegations of corruption during his (Naidu’s) nine-year rule, while rejecting the Opposition party leader’s demand for his resignation over the issue.
The Andhra Pradesh government, on November 11, ordered an inquiry into the alleged mining of iron ore and violation of forest laws by OMC. The government has also constituted a three-member committee of senior officials of the state forest department to probe allegations against OMC.
Brushing aside Telugu Desam Party’s allegations that he and his top officials were on the payrolls of the OMC, Rosaiah said, “A person with a sound mind will no make such wild allegations and use such language.”
Stating that despite being defeated in the recent gen-eral elections Naidu appe-ared in great haste to come to power, Rosaiah said he would resign as chief minister if the TDP got one seat more than the Congress in the 150-member Greater Hyd-erabad Municipal Corpora-tion elections scheduled for November 23.
“Much before the CEC had submitted its report, we requested the Centre to order a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. The inquiry will unearth the real problem,” Rosaiah said, adding that the mining lease to OMC was originally issued during Naidu’s regime.
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ap-government-to-abide-by-court-ordersmining/377372/

Plant more trees in mining areas, appeals Patil

TNN 24 November 2009, 06:33am IST
Text Size:
|
PANAJI: President Pratibha Patil on Monday called for conserving and preserving Goa’s unique natural environment as it promotes eco-tourism, adds

to the state’s tourism profile and generates major revenue and employment for the state.

“Goa is renowned for its scenic beauty, its rich architectural heritage, its vibrant culture and its diverse flora and fauna,” she said speaking at a civic reception hosted by the government in her honour at Dona Paula. Stating that many countries have greatly benefited from their forests, she suggested better management and more afforestation in mining areas. “They can be important in generating social, economic and environmental benefits,” she said.

Incidentally, her statement comes in the wake of Goa winning an award for percentage increase in its forest and tree cover, though criticism has been rife about large-scale deforestation due to mining activities. Hailing Goa’s model of comprehensive development, Patil said combining economic growth with social progress, environment protection and cultural advancement had worked well for the state’s progress
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Plant-more-trees-in-mining-areas-appeals-Patil/articleshow/5263036.cms

Nationalisation not solution for illegal mining: Jethmalani

Keywords:

India, Ram Jethmalani, Illegal Mining, Nationalisation

Posted On: 23-Nov-2009 20:23:47 By: Deepali MittalFont Size:

Hubli: Senior advocate Ram Jethmalani today opined that nationalisation of all mines would not bring an end to illegalmining in the country.
Talking to newspersons during his one-day visit to attend High Court proceedings at Dharwad, he said solution to prevent illegalmining could be done through constant vigil by the police and authorities concerned as well as by implementing the existing laws strictly.
The issue of mining has led to heated exchanges between the ruling parties and the opposition in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with top leaders, including ministers in the two states alleged to be involved in illegal mining in Bellary district bordering Andhra Pradesh.

http://www.mynews.in/News/Nationalisation_not_solution_for_illegal_mining_Jethmalani_N30917.html#

Illegal Mining Units
________________________________________
15:57 IST
Rajya Sabha

Mining activities without requisite environmental safeguards are known to have adverse impacts on different components of environment including human health. Press reports have appeared from time to time reporting illegal mining in different parts of the country.

The State Governments are the owners of minerals and since the minerals rights and collection of revenue and matters related to police, law and order machinery vest with State Governments, the State Governments have been empowered under Section 23C of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act, 1957 to frame Rules for prevention of illegal mining and to take action. As informed by Ministry of Mines, the Central Government is not empowered under MMDR Act to book any illegal miner for offence. However, whenever the Central Government has received complaint of illegal mining, these are enquired into by Indian Bureau of Mines and the concerned State Governments are requested to take stringent action.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Sh. Vijayraghavan in Rajya Sabha today.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54405

GSI’s role in identification of mineral reserves
________________________________________
11:23 IST
RAJYA SABHA

The Minister of Mines and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region Shri B.K.Handique has said that Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the principal agency for locating or identification of new mineral deposits in the country with a mandate to explore (through ground, airborne, satellite and marine surveys) and scientifically assesses mineral and energy resources. Exploration carried out by GSI in the country has augmented manifold the resources of a number of important minerals like non-coking coal, iron ore, bauxite, gold,basemetal, chromite, platinoid group of elements (PGE), molybdenum, dolomite, limestone, manganese, magnesite, ball clay, bentonite etc.

There is continuous upgradation of technology in GSI, particularly in respect ofphotogeology and remote sensing work, field survey, ground geophysical survey,aerogeophysical survey, marine survey, drilling operations, laboratory studies & research projects, information technology etc. GSI is developing expertise in magnetotelluric survey andHyperspectral mapping at present.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday the Minister said, GSI carries out regional exploration for minerals and quantifies the resource of the minerals investigated. Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) prepares the inventory of mineral reserves of country from its own data and the information made available by Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, State Directorates of Geology and Mining and other exploration agencies. The reserves of major minerals in India (as on 01.04.2005), (Source: IBM Year Book, 2007) is as under:

S.No. Ore / Mineral Reserve (in million tonnes)
1. Copper ore 369.49
2. Lead-Zinc ore 125.75
3. Iron ore, Haematite 7004.016
4. Iron ore, Magnetite 58.50
5. Manganese ore 138.15
6. Bauxite 899.38
7. Limestone 12715.31
8. Dolomite 985.15
9. Gold Ore 19.25
10. Chromite 66.12
11. Molybdenum 1.5

In additional the Annual Review of GSI (2009) gives the reserves of coal and lignite as under:

S. No. Ore / Mineral Reserve (in million tonnes)
1. Coal 267210
2. Lignite 39070

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54454

Mining scam rocks House

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 23: The Opposition in the Assembly described the Keonjhar mining scam as the “biggest” in the state and demanded a CBI probe.
The government, however, rejected the demand stating that the ongoing vigilance probe was enough. Infuriated, Opposition Congress and BJP members staged separate walkouts.
Earlier, moving an adjournment motion, Opposition chief whip Prasad Harichandan alleged that minerals worth Rs 1 lakh crore had been illegally mined and smuggled out during the Naveen Patnaik regime.
Incidentally, Naveen was absent in the House during the debate though he was present during the question answer business in the morning. Ridiculing Naveen’s claim of providing a “transparent administration”, Harichandan alleged that the chief minister had closed his eyes to the illegal mining. He was supported by Opposition leader Bhupinder Singh and Congress members S.S. Saluja and Anup Sai. Saluja and Sai demanded a white paper to probe into the irregularities.
However, state steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty rejected the demand.
Vigilance raids have been conducted in mines and four criminal cases have been registered against owners and officials, reminded the minister, adding that as many as 128 mines had been closed down for violation of statutory rules. Supporting the government, BJD legislators questioned the neutrality of CBI probe, citing the instance of Bofors.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091124/jsp/nation/story_11776574.jsp

Mining – International

China mine 'overcrowded'

HEGANG (China) - TOO many miners were below ground at a Chinese coal mine where 104 workers were killed in a gas explosion, a safety official charged on Tuesday as rescuers said there was no hope for four missing men.
Press reports quoted Zhao Tiechui, deputy head of the state work safety agency, as saying overcrowded shafts were among the factors in the disaster at the Xingxing mine in northeast China.
'Excessively large coal faces being mined, too many people below ground and insufficient ventilation were factors in the accident,' he was quoted saying by various media.
The explosion tore through the mine in the rust belt city of Hegang early Saturday when more than 500 miners were below ground, officials said.
Zhang Fucheng, who is leading the rescue effort in frigid Heilongjiang province, said the four miners still missing had not yet been reached but were almost certainly dead. 'We are in the process of digging out the four people. They are definitely dead. They have no oxygen,' he told reporters.
The sober assessment appeared to snuff out the final glimmer of hope in the horrific accident, China's worst mine disaster in at least two years. Relatives of victims have angrily demanded answers about the disaster as officials said a preliminary investigation pointed to poor management at the mine, one of China's oldest and largest. -- AFP

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_458420.html

Mine held too many workers

China's push for higher coal output is blamed in deaths of 104.
By Cara Anna
Associated Press
HEGANG, China - The coal mine that exploded in northern China, killing 104, had too many workers underground in an effort to increase output, a government official said yesterday, exposing the risks often taken to meet the country's insatiable energy demands.
The weekend gas explosion, China's worst mining accident in two years, was a blow to the government's efforts to improve safety standards in an industry that is the deadliest in the world.
Grieving relatives, who wailed at the gate of the Xinxing mining office yesterday, were shocked that such a blast could occur at one of China's state-run mines, which the government has promoted as being safer than smaller, privately run concerns.
But even as officials hustled to calm the families, miners idled near the shafts in their battered work clothes, waiting for word that their shifts might start again. "Economic necessity," one said.
China's hunger for energy is cutting closest to the bone in places such as Hegang, an aging industrial city near the Russian border where the economy runs on coal. The country uses coal to meet three-fourths of its electricity needs.
Officials have said 528 miners were underground when the Xinxing mine exploded after a gas leak. Besides the 104 confirmed dead, four people are missing and feared dead, the Xinhua news agency said.
The head of China's State Administration of Work Safety told Xinhua that the mine's management failed to evacuate workers promptly. His deputy went further, saying the mine had too many platforms and workers inside, in an effort to increase output.
Deputy chief Zhao Tiechui called the structure "far too complicated for its current ventilation system to work effectively." He did not specify what the mine's capacity was.
China has closed hundreds of smaller, private mines or absorbed them into state-owned operations, which are considered generally safer. But some of the deadliest accidents this year continue to be at state-run mines.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20091124_Mine_held_too_many_workers.html

How bizarre fight over mines skews the agenda

TIM COHEN PUBLISHED: 2009/11/24 06:19:10 AM

Tim Cohen
timcohen@yebo.co.za
WHAT does one make of the bizarre argument between the South African Communist Party’s (SACP’s) deputy general secretary, Jeremy Cronin, and the African National Congress Youth League’s leader, Julius Malema, about nationalisation?
Malema implicitly attacks Cronin in racial terms saying: “We also do not need the permission of white political messiahs to think.” Yet, Cronin also indulges in some below-the-belt blows, saying: “I suspect that comrade Malema and others are missing this bigger systemic picture because, when they speak of mineral beneficiation, they are thinking of bling … sorry, jewellery.” Yet all these jibes get in the way of the protagonists’ arguments, which are essentially hopeless cauldrons of jumbled ideas.
A good example is their contrary positions on beneficiation. The league justifies nationalisation on the basis that so much of South African mineral wealth is not beneficiated. As anyone with the most superficial knowledge of the platinum industry will know, a substantial proportion of SA’s mineral wealth is in fact highly beneficiated. Much of the rest cannot be beneficiated or cannot be beneficiated successfully on a commercial basis. But this does not appear to trouble the league since, from its point of view, obviously the only thing stopping the government from ordering beneficiation is the fact the mines are not nationalised (I know, it’s illogical).
Cronin reaches for common sense when he notes that “the idea that SA will grow into a major jewellery powerhouse to rival centuries-old artisanal traditions (and markets) in India or Amsterdam ... simply because some of the precious minerals happen to be mined here, is, I am sad to say, a pipe dream”.
But the core of Cronin’s opposition to the nationalisation of the mines is simply that the mining industry is in such a poor state the government might end up having to support the businesses. He still calls for Sasol and ArcelorMittal to be nationalised .
Neither Malema nor Cronin bother with trying to understand why nationalisation has failed almost everywhere it has been tried. Nor do they appear to notice that government-owned entities in SA are in crisis, with six parastatals now without CEOs.
It is sometimes argued that the Zuma administration has not in fact shifted left, it just seems like it because these kinds of debates are now tolerated, when they would not have been under Thabo Mbeki . This is an entirely fallacious argument . These squabbles may or may not result in mines being nationalised, but what they do achieve is an atmosphere in which privatisation is such a swear word that it never comes close to being on the agenda.
Sasha Naryshkine of Vestact has raised an interesting comparison in relation to Eskom. Eskom has a nominal capacity of 43037 megawatt hours. Compare this to Brazil’s Eletrobras, which has a capacity almost exactly the same, and provides 60% of Brazil’s power, compared with Eskom’s almost total monopoly. Naryshkine points out that Eletrobras has had its problems too, such as seven CEOs since 2001. Still, the company looks financially respectable and has a gearing of 33% or so. But the interesting difference is the company is 49% publicly owned, and has a market capitalisation of 535bn.
Eskom says it needs about R300bn for its expansion programme. Whatever its woes, Eskom is still one of the world’s top 13 utilities by generation capacity and in the top 10 electricity suppliers by sales.
Using Eletrobras, which is listed in Brazil and in New York, as a comparison, selling a mere 20% of Eskom could solve its financial problems instantly. It could finance its expansion cheaply through an equity sale, and we would not have to deal with higher interest rates, nor would we have to endure 45% tariff increases every year for the next three years.
However, this option has apparently not even been considered because the nationalisation debate makes it politically impossible to breathe a word about a totally conventional option.
Sometimes it’s not what the government does that defines it; it’s what it doesn’t do.
- Cohen is a freelance writer.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=87844

Strike Ends at Chile Copper Mine

SANTIAGO – Employees at the Spence copper mine in northern Chile voted to accept the latest offer from Australia’s BHP Billiton and end a strike launched on Oct. 13, management and the union said on Monday.

Union chief Andres Ramirez said that the 560 workers will return to their jobs as soon as the new contract is drafted, a labor accord that will be in force for 41 months.

The firm said in a communique that the proposal accepted by the workers includes a 4 percent salary increase along with a bonus for the term of the labor conflict of 7.04 million pesos ($14,000) per worker and assorted additional benefits.

Among the additional benefits are an interest-free loan of 2 million pesos ($4,000) per worker, a home-buying bonus of 9.6 million pesos ($19,200) and the renewal of the so-called “exceptional workday” payment of 1.2 million pesos (about $2,400).

The resolution of the conflict came after the Chilean Mining Federation, which includes the unions, warned that it was prepared to expand the conflict to other BHP Billiton mines.

The Australian firm has three copper mines in Chile which in all produce about 1.5 million tons of the metal per year, almost 10 percent of the world production and which the strike reduced by about 20,500 tons.

Spence, located in the region of Antofagasta, some 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Santiago, produced 165,000 tons of refined copper in 2008 and originally the workers were demanding a salary hike of 5.5 percent.

The strike at Spence was resolved, however, after on the weekend state-owned miner Codelco reached an agreement with the workers in its Andina division, providing them with a salary increase of 3 percent in the coming years, along with an interest-free loan of 2.5 million pesos ($5,000) for each of its 1,202 employees.

In addition, the firm will give a bonus of 7.3 million pesos ($14,600) per worker.

Armando Olavarria, the general manager of the Andina division, said that the benefits are subject to production goals, productivity, the price of copper and production costs.

Business reporters said the cornerstone of the Codelco pact is a planned $900 million expansion that is expected to boost processing capacity at Andina by 25 percent, to 94,000 tons a day, and annual output from the current 220,000 tons to as much as 250,000 tons.

Chile is the world’s No. 1 producer and exporter of copper. EFE

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=347874&CategoryId=14094

Other News

Common Service Centres
________________________________________
17:41 IST
Lok Sabha

Under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) the Government has sanctioned the scheme of Common Service Centres (CSCs) under which 1, 00, 000 kiosks are being established in rural ears. These kosoks are equipped with Computers, connectivity and trained and incentivized manpower. These Centres provide public services along with facilities of Internet and E-mail. The Scheme is being implemented on Public Private Partnership model with Government of India providing only revenue viability gap funding. Till 31st October, 2009, about 55, 000 CSCs have been established.

Under NeGp an outlay of Rs. 1649 crores was sanctioned for CSC Scheme. An amount of about Rs. 800 crores has been released under this scheme. Both Government to Citizen and Business to Citizen services will be provided by the CSCs. Some states have been facing non-availability of BSNL connectivity to the Centres. The Department of Information Technology (DIT) has sanctioned Rs. 550 crores to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) under the CSCs scheme for providing connectivity to CSCs in the country.

This was stated by Shri Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in Lok Sabha today.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54446

Energy production through wind mills
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16:48 IST
Rajya Sabha

The Government has been promoting commercial grid connected wind power projects through private sector investment in wind potential states including Tamil Nadu by providing fiscal incentives, loan from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and other financial institutions. Technical support, including detailed wind resource assessment to identify further potential sites, is provided by Ministry’s Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai. This apart, preferential tariff is being provided to increase wind energy generation in the potential States including Tamil Nadu. Wind power installation has been progressively increasing in the state of Tamilnadu, which has reached to 4,563 MW by October, 2009. Tamil Nadu is the leading state in wind power development in the country.

This information was given by Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54423

Mega Solar Energy initiative
________________________________________
16:45 IST
Rajya Sabha

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set a target to install 14,000 MW capacity renewable energy based grid power generation plants during the 11th plan period in the country.

Government has also approved Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission to develop solar energy technologies to make solar power competitive to conventional grid power. The Mission aims at setting up of 20,000 MW grid solar power and 2,000 MW of off-grid solar power including 20 million solar lights. In addition, it aims at installation of 20 million square metre solar thermal collector area by 2022. The Mission will be implemented in three phases. Government has approved the target to set up 1,100 MW grid connected solar plants and 200 MW capacity equivalent off-grid solar applications in the first phase of the Mission, till 2012-13.

In addition, the Mission will also support research and development to reduce cost, improve efficiency and overall performance of solar energy systems and also for development of new materials and devices.

This information was given by Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

PRA/SKK

Minimum support price for forest produce
________________________________________
16:02 IST
Rajya Sabha

The central government has not fixed minimum support price(MSP) for any forest produce. One proposal has been received in this regards from the State of Chhattisgarh only. However no policy has been framed in this regard so far.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Sh. Shreegopal Vyas and Sh Rudra Narayan Pany in Rajya Sabha today.

Discussion on Climate Change Policy for National Consensus
________________________________________
15:47 IST
Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change meets from time to time to oversee and guide the approach to climate change policy including formulation and approval of specific initiatives relating to implementation of ‘India’s National Action plan on Climate Change’. An institutional mechanism consisting of Policy Planning Group and Core Negotiating Group also functions with a view to help formulate the negotiating strategy on climate change with the necessary approvals from appropriate levels.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by Shri D Raja and Shri M.P.Achuthan in Rajya Sabha today.

*********

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54390

Various Schemes to Increase Forest Cover
________________________________________
16:4 IST
Rajya Sabha

Various steps have been taken under Central and State Government Schemes to increase the forest cover which include National Afforestation Programme, Integrated Forest Protection Scheme, Eco-Development Force (EDF) Scheme, Grants-in- Aid for Greening India Scheme, Gram Van Yojana (GVY) for afforestation on non forest lands, Assistance for Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries for afforestation, Regeneration of degraded forests etc. The main reasons for decrease in the forest cover and the reasons for increase in forest cover where significant change has taken place have been explained below.

Reasons for Loss

Nagaland – shifting cultivation and gregarious flowering of muli bamboo
Andaman &Nicobar Islands – destruction due to Tsunami
Manipur – shifting cultivation
Madhya Pradesh – submergence of forest area due to construction of dams
Chhattisgarh - submergence of forest area due to construction of dams, felling of trees
Gujarat – large scale felling and uprooting of Prospis juliflora trees from the revenue lands
Assam - illicit felling in insurgency affected areas and due to shifting
Andhra Pradesh- departmental fellings and naxalite disturbances
Maharashtra- departmental felling
Uttarakhand- rotational felling of Eucalyptus and Poplar & rehabilitation of Gujars in Haridwar districts

Reasons for Increase

Mizoram- re-growth in the abandoned shifting cultivation areas in all the districts
Arunachal Pradesh- regrowth in shifting cultivation areas and partly due to plantations.
Meghalaya- re-growth in the abandoned area of shifting cultivation
Tamil Nadu- plantations of miscellaneous species in many districts
Tripura- regrowth of abandoned shifting cultivation areas
Rajasthan- plantations of misc. species and regrowth
West Bengal- improvement of tree cover in tea plantation area and protection & plantations
Jharkhand- coppice growth of sal due to protection provided by VFC and plantations
Orissa- improvement in shifting cultivation areas
Punjab- plantations in private lands
Haryana- coppice growth of misc. species and plantations
Himachal Pradesh- plantations
Bihar- plantations
Karnataka- plantations
Delhi- plantations

Change in Forest cover change is given in Annexure-I
Annexure-I

Change in the forest cover of State/UTs between 2003 and 2005 (SFR 2005)*
(Area in km2)
States/ UT 2003 Assessment
(Previous) 2005 Assessment
(latest) Change
Forest Cover Forest Cover In Forest Cover
Andhra Pradesh 44,412 44,372 -40
Arunachal Pradesh 67,692 67,777 85
Assam 27,735 27,645 -90
Bihar 5,573 5,579 6
Chhattisgarh 55,992 55,863 -129
Delhi 174 176 2
Goa 2,164 2,164 0
Gujarat 14,814 14,715 -99
Haryana 1,576 1,587 11
Himachal Pradesh 14,359 14,369 10
Jammu & Kashmir 21,273 21,273 0
Jharkhand 22,569 22,591 22
Karnataka 35,246 35,251 5
Kerala 15,595 15,595 0
Madhya Pradesh 76,145 76,013 -132
Maharashtra 47,514 47,476 -38
Manipur 17,259 17,086 -173
Meghalaya 16,925 16,988 63
Mizoram 18,583 18,684 101
Nagaland 14,015 13,719 -296
Orissa 48,353 48,374 21
Punjab 1,545 1,558 13
Rajasthan 15,821 15,850 29
Sikkim 3,262 3,262 0
Tamil Nadu 23,003 23,044 41
Tripura 8,123 8,155 32
Uttar Pradesh 14,127 14,127 0
Uttaranchal 24,460 24,442 -18
West Bengal 12,389 12,413 24
Andaman & Nicobar 6,807 6,629 -178
Chandigarh 15 15 0
Dadar Nagar Haveli 221 221 0
Daman & Diu 8 8 0
Lakshadweep 25 25 0
Pondicherry 42 42 0
Grand Total 677,816 677,088 -728

* SFR 2005 – State of Forest Report 2005 by Forest Survey of India.
It is a fact that to deal with the negative effect of climate change it is essential to increase the forest cover. Various schemes are being implemented by the Centre & States for tree planting/ Afforestation to increase the forest cover. The details of ongoing schemes of Govt. of India alongwith allocations for the year 2009-10 are given in the table below:
Rs. in crores
S.No. Name of Scheme Allocation for 2009-10
1. NationalAfforestationProgramme 345.62
2. Eco-Development Force 10.50
3. Grants-in-Aid for GreeningIndia 3.28

In addition to above, Gram Van Yojana (GVY) Scheme has been mooted for Afforestation on non-forest lands for which an allocation of Rs.900 crores has been made during the 11th plan.

Government of India has introduced a new scheme with an outlay of Rs. 500.00 crore as an additional central assistance for “Accelerated Programme of Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover” under State Plan during 2009-10.

Ongoing afforestation and tree planting schemes of Central and State Governments and the newly introduced State Plan Scheme through Additional Central Assistance of Rs 500 Crores during the current financial year of ‘Accelerated Programme of Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover’, help in increasing Forest and Tree Cover. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Afforestation Programme, implemented by this Ministry, Rs.1692.55 Crores have been released after 2004 (2004-05 to 2009-10) to the Forest Development Agencies in the States (as on 30/10/2009). The details of funds released during 2004-05 to 2009-10 are given in Annexure- II.
Annexure- II

No. State Amount Released (Rs. incrore)

1 Andhra Pradesh 59.90
2 Chhattisgarh 126.30
3 Gujarat 109.69
4 Haryana 70.67
5 HimachalPradesh 47.70
6 Jammu & Kashmir 32.66
7 Karnataka 121.49
8 Madhya Pradesh 93.19
9 Maharashtra 108.54
10 Orissa 82.74
11 Punjab 16.96
12 Rajasthan 34.42
13 Tamil Nadu 75.16
14 Uttar Pradesh 140.32
15 Uttarakhand 60.26
16 Goa 0.00
17 Jharkhand 98.86
18 Bihar 27.87
19 Kerala 38.66
20 West Bengal 37.88
Total (Other States) 1383.27
21 ArunachalPradesh 15.20
22 Assam 50.30
23 Manipur 45.46
24 Nagaland 37.28
25 Sikkim 41.49
26 Tripura 21.71
27 Mizoram 73.44
28 Meghalaya 24.40
Total (NE States) 309.28
Grand Total 1692.55

The details of forest cover (State-wise) from 2001 to 2005 are given in Annexure-III. The latest data on forest cover is available based upon State of Forests Report, 2005 published by Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun.
Annexure-III

Forest cover of State/UTs SFR in 2001, 2003 and 2005 (SFR)*

(Area in km2)
State/UT Forestcover in
SFR 2001 Forest
cover in
SFR 2003 Forest cover in
SFR 2005
Andhra Pradesh 44,637 44,412 44,372
Arunachal Pradesh 68,045 67,692 67,777
Assam 27,714 27,735 27,645
Bihar 5,720 5,573 5,579
Chhattisgarh 56,448 55,992 55,863
Delhi 111 174 176
Goa 2,095 2,164 2,164
Gujarat 15,152 14,814 14,715
Haryana 1,754 1,576 1,587
Himachal Pradesh 14,360 14,359 14,369
Jammu & Kashmir 21,237 21,273 21,273
Jharkhand 22,637 22,569 22,591
Karnataka 36,991 35,246 35,251
Kerala 15,560 15,595 15,595
Madhya Pradesh 77,265 76,145 76,013
Maharashtra 47,482 47,514 47,476
Manipur 16,926 17,259 17,086
Meghalaya 15,584 16,925 16,988
Mizoram 17,494 18,583 18,684
Nagaland 13,345 14,015 13,719
Orissa 48,838 48,353 48,374
Punjab 2,432 1,545 1,558
Rajasthan 16,367 15,821 15,850
Sikkim 3,193 3,262 3,262
Tamil Nadu 21,482 23,003 23,044
Tripura 7,065 8,123 8,155
Uttar Pradesh 13,746 14,127 14,127
Uttaranchal 23,938 24,460 24,442
West Bengal 10,693 12,389 12,413
Andaman & Nicobar 6,930 6,807 6,629
Chandigarh 9 15 15
Dadar Nagar Haveli 219 221 221
Daman & Diu 6 8 8
Lakshadweep 27 25 25
Pondicherry 36 42 42
Grand Total 675,538 677,816 677,088

*SFR – State of Forest Report by Forest Survey of India.

Of the four Southern States the extent of dense forest cover in Tamil Nadu is more than Kerala but less compared to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The details of dense forest cover in southern states including TamilNadu under various density classes of dense forest cover as per SFR 2005 are as follows:
(sq. km)
State Very DenseForest (VDF) (above 70% canopy cover) ModeratelyDense Forest(MDF) (40-70% of canopy cover) Total of VDF and MDF
Andhra Pradesh 130 24,199 24,329
Kerala 1024 8,636 9,660
Karnataka 464 21,634 22,098
TamilNadu 2650 9,790 12,440

Most part of Tamil Nadu Forests lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Hence, these areas received poor rainfall which affects the growth of the vegetation. Forests in Eastern Ghats are also subjected to grazing, forest fires and heavy biotic pressure resulting in poor density of forest cover.

Efforts made by the State and Central Government to enhance the forest cover are given below:-

1. Implementation of Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP) Phase-II implemented from 2005-2006 till 2012-13 to restore 1.775 lakh hectare of degraded forests in 32 districts over a 8 years span with external aid with an outlay of Rs.567/- crores.

2. Implementation of Hill Area Development Programme to improve the ecological conditions in the Nilgiris district including protection of shola forests and conservation of wildlife habitats.

3. Western Ghat Development Programme aims at increasing the tree cover and improving the ecosystem of the TamilNadu portion of the Western Ghats.

4. Implementation of National Afforestation Programme under Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

5. Implementation of a Government of India’s new scheme as an additional central assistance for “Accelerated Programmeof Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover” under State Plan during 2009-10.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) ShriJairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by S/S P.R.Rajan, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Raj Mohinder SinghMajitha,Kaptan Singh Solanki,Mond. Ali Khan and Smt Jayanthi Natrajan in Rajya Sabha today.
********

KP/

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54409

Aims and objectives of National Green Tribunal
________________________________________
15:50 IST
Rajya Sabha

The aims and objectives of the proposed National Green Tribunal are effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto

The Tribunal shall have the jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environment (including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment), is involved. There is also a bar on the civil courts to entertain such cases. The alternative remedy provided by the wide jurisdiction of the Tribunal will substantially reduce the burden of environmental litigations on the higher courts. The specialised Tribunal is expected to dispose of such cases expeditiously.

The jurisdiction of the Tribunal is limited to civil cases and the environmental disputes of criminal in nature shall continue to be adjudicated by the existing criminal courts. Criminal cases require a hierarchy of courts and other paraphernalia needed for criminal proceedings which does not gel with the architecture of a Tribunal.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shri Jairam Ramesh in a written reply to a question by SHRI R.C.Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=54395

News Scan 18-11-09

2009-11-18T17:10:00.000+05:30

Mining – India

1. Vedanta employees charged after India chimney collapse
2. CBI to probe Andhra mining scam
3. Gold funds give double digit returns
4. Mafia attacks mining squad, three injured
5. Jharkhand government to renew SAIL mining licenses news
6. Orissa session opens to mining scam row
7. Discrepancies in information on mining leases given to Karnataka Minister
8. BJP to go strident on mining, Vedanta issues
9. AIL-NMDC to invest Rs 260 cr in Arki limestone mine

Mining – International

10. Atlas Mining unit makes 12th copper shipment to China
11. In WA, old mining town elects a Muslim mayor
12. Mine infrastructure an 'engineering wonder'
13. BHP chief says big mining will meet demand

Other News

14. NEAA Stays Environmental Clearance of ATHENA POWER PLANT
15. Over 600 million people to get UI cards till 2015: Nilekani
16. Society should take steps to end scavenging: President
17. Unwilling to act- Governments across the country have shown a remarkable reluctance to use the S.C./S.T. Act to protect Dalits from upper-caste violence.
18. Elephants don’t belong in zoos: Central Zoo Authority

Mining – India

Vedanta employees charged after India chimney collapse

• Three arrested at Balco subsidiary power plant
• Project manager among those charged

An activist protesting outside the Vedanta Resources annual meeting. Photograph: Graham Turner
Three officials at a subsidiary of the mining company Vedanta Resourceshave been arrested in India following the collapse of a chimney in one of its power stations which killed 41 people.
The incident occurred in September at Vedanta's Bharat Aluminium Company (Balco) power plant in Chhattisgarh, central India, during heavy storms.
After a two-month investigation, local police have arrested Balco's vice-president, who was also the plant's project manager, its associate general manager and a graduate trainee engineer.
The three men have all been charged with "culpable homicide not amounting to murder".
The chimney that collapsed was being constructed for Balco by China's Shandong Electric Power Construction Corp (Sepco) as part of a 1,200 megawatt power plant. Chinese executives and engineers from Sepco were also questioned after the incident but none has been arrested.
However, the police insisted that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be made.
A Balco spokesman said the company was "surprised" by the arrests because it had cooperated fully with the police inquiry. "We are still in the process of finding out what happened. The investigation has not been completed," he said.
This is another embarrassment for Vedanta, which is listed on the FTSE100. Another of its subsidiaries, Sesa Goa, is being investigated over allegations of fraud and Vedanta has also faced criticism over its plans to open a bauxite mine in a sacred area of Orissa, eastern India.
A UK government agency recently ruled that Vedanta "did not respect the rights" of Orissa's indigenous people, "did not consider the impact of the construction of the mine on the [tribe's] rights" and "failed to put in place an adequate and timely consultation mechanism".
Vedanta defended its environmental and human rights record, insisting its work has had a positive impact on the lives of 2.5 million villagers in India and Zambia.
Vedanta plans an open-cast mine on Orissa's Niyamgiri mountain.Activists believe the mine will destroy the area's ecosystem and threaten the future of the 8,000-strong Dongria Kondh tribe, who depend on the hills for their crops, water and livelihood. The tribe believes the mountain and the surrounding forest to be the sacred home of their god Niyam Raja.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/nov/17/vedanta-inquiry-three-arrested

CBI to probe Andhra mining scam

TNN 18 November 2009, 04:03am IST
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HYDERABAD: The Congress high command on Tuesday decided to take on the powerful Bellary iron ore mining lobby by directing the Andhra Pradesh

government to request for a CBI probe into charges of irregularities, levelled by TDP, in the mining operations by Obulapuram Mining Corporation.

Analysts said that by giving the green signal for the CBI probe, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has shown her determination to prevent the mining lobby from influencing politics in Andhra in the manner that it had played havoc with Karnataka politics. It is also aimed at stemming the agitation launched by opposition TDP in the state, they said.

OMC is owned by Karnataka BJP minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, who along with his brother installed the first BJP government in power in Bangalore, but recently led a rebellion against CM B S Yeddyurappa. Gali was close to late Andhra CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy as well as his son and Kadapa MP Jaganmohan Reddy.

After Gali held a press conference in Hyderabad last Friday and denied any irregularities in the mining activities of his company, Jagan had scheduled a press meet on Tuesday evening, ostensibly to clarify on the TDP's charges of his involvement in the alleged irregularities.

But according to sources, AICC secretaries K B Krishnamurthy and Praveen Davar contacted the Kadapa MP and told him to call off the press conference as the high command had decided to go for a CBI probe into the allegations of illegal mining by OMC. "The high command called up Andhra CM K Rosaiah around 10.30am and gave the directive," the sources said.

The CM soon summoned chief secretary P Ramakanth Reddy who was taking part in a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee headed by TDP MLA Nagam Janardhan Reddy. "After discussions between the CM and the chief secretary, the state government issued a three-line statement saying that it has decided to ask the Centre to order a CBI probe," the sources said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CBI-to-probe-Andhra-mining-scam/articleshow/5241575.cms

Gold funds give double digit returns

M Allirajan, TNN 18 November 2009, 02:06am IST
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Topics:
• Returns
• Gold Fund
COIMBATORE: Even as prices of gold continue to scale new highs on a regular basis, gold funds that have their underlying exposure to stocks of

gold mining companies have sizzled delivering double digit returns in 15 days.

They have outperformed most other asset classes in three months and have given 10-12% higher returns than gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) during the period, data shows. The three gold-focused funds' average return of 22.1% in three months is almost equal to the performance top performing equity funds.

While gold ETFs that invest in units of gold closely track the prices of the yellow metal, gold funds have gained more due to the huge increase in profitability of mining companies. "Every increase in gold price improves the bottomline of gold mining companies significantly as the cost base (of these firms) is largely fixed," explains Ruchir N Parekh, fund manager, AIG world gold fund.

For instance, mining firms had net operating cash flows of around $450 per ounce when gold prices were ruling at $900 an ounce, he says. With prices now hovering around $1130 per ounce a large proportion of the incremental increase would go straight into the bottomline

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/biz/india-business/Gold-funds-give-double-digit-returns/articleshow/5241437.cms

Mafia attacks mining squad, three injured
TNN 17 November 2009, 10:18pm IST
Text Size:
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area close to the Jharkhand border.

The incident took place at Thakurani hill, about 80 km from here. Three members of the squad were injured. They are mining inspector Somendra Das, Satyabrata Rout and checkgate clerk Sukanta Behera. They have been admitted to the Central hospital, Joda.

Official sources said, Badbil police went to the spot for verification and inquiry, but no one has been arrested. "The exact nature of attack would be known after the police team returns," N D Sethy of Badbil police station said.

Official sources said, the squad detected about 550 tonne of iron ore near Tankurani reserve forest during the day time but could not transport it. They went there in the night when the smugglers were trying to transport the illegally mined ores and were attacked.

Though the squad went in three jeeps with one loaded with armed forces, they could do nothing much to keep the mafia at bay. The miscreants fled the place in about 20 motorcycles, sources said even as the force opened about 16 rounds of fire. "The gangsters also fired at the squad," sources said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Mafia-attacks-mining-squad-three-injured-/articleshow/5240748.cms

Jharkhand government to renew SAIL mining licenses news

18 November 2009

Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has achieved a breakthrough in the Chiria iron ore mines row with Jharkhand today recognising and agreeing to renew the mining leases to meet the company's current needs.
In the last couple of years the state government's refusal to renew the mining leases had thrown the race for Chiria wide open with global steel majors like ArcelorMittal eyeing a piece of the action in the area.
SAIL holds 10 mining leases in the area. These have an estimated two billion tonne (bt) of good quality ore.
''The state government has written to us on this. They have recently decided in-principle to renew lease on Gudaburu mines, which contain 810 million tonnes (mt) of iron ore reserves. They have also deceided to identify another 200 mt of reserves for lease renewal,'' SAIL chairman SK Roongta said in Kolkata on the sidelines of a national manufacturing symposium organised by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Kolkata.
Roongta has gone on record with claims of having written assurance from the state government on renewal of mining leases in Chiria.
When taken together the two reserves have around one billion tonne of ore which would serve the current iron ore needs of SAIL. Chiria mines were under the Burnpur-based Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO) later taken over by SAIL and renamed IISCO Steel Plant.
Roongta said another one billion tonnes would be likely to be made available to its future needs.
SAIL operates one of its largest steel plants at Bokaro. The capacity of the plant is under expansion from 5 to 7 mt. The company has also indicated plans to put up a greenfield unit in the state with a planned steel making capacity of upto 12 mt.
The developments will formalise an agreement of 2006-07 between the company and the state government under which it had promised to renew SAIL's mining leases on reserves of one billion tonnes. The Jharkhand government, on its part had also agreed to renew leases on the remaining amount of another one billion tonne, subject to the company's planning to invest in new steel making capacity in the state.

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_s/Steel_Authority/20091118_jharkhand_government.html

Orissa session opens to mining scam row

Submitted by Sarthak Gupta on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 08:10.
The issue of illegalmining has taken centrestage in Orissa’s politics with the opposition preparing to corner Chief Minister Navin Patnaik on the alleged scam, when the winter session of thestate assembly begins on Wednesday.
Even as vigilance officials continue to raid mine operators, the scam — which surfaced in June and allegedly runs into thousands of crores of rupees — is hurting Patnaik’s image of being a clean politician. It has also given common ground to opposition parties — both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party — to take on the ruling Biju Janata Dal.
In a petition to the Supreme Court, Rabi Das, convenor of the civil society group Jan Sammelani, has alleged that valuable minerals including
iron ore, coal and manganese ore worth Rs 7,000 crore (Rs. 70 billion) are being smuggled out of Orissa every year. After the scandal came to light, the government launched a crackdown on illegal mining in the state in July.
Till October, 644 mining trading licences had been scrutinised. Of these, 482 licences were suspended owing to lack of legal documents.
Orissa Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty told Hindustan Times: “The government has stopped work in more than 100 mines.” Anup Kumar Pattnaik, director, state vigilance department, said: “We have found several irregularities in the mines.” So far, 17 cases have been registered against mine operators, including the state-owned Orissa Mining Corporation. On November 6, the Supreme Court appointed a central-empowered-committee to probe themining scam and submit a report within six weeks.
Illegal mining can be carried out in three ways. First, if a firm continues mining after the lease has expired; by mining more than what has been sanctioned and finally, through excessivemining beyond the originally earmarked area.
Illegal mining has flourished even as the demand for minerals, especially iron ore, peaked in the world market. Shockingly, the bureaucracy in the state and the Centre has known about these activities for a long time.
A January 4, 2006 letter from the joint secretary to the Union government to the director ofmines, Orissa, expressed concern over numerous renewal mining lease applications pending with the state government.
On September 29, 2003 the deputy director of mines at Joda in Keonjhar district wrote to director of mines, saying that the state-owned Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) continuedmining on
1011 hectares despite expiry of its lease 10 years ago. Smuggled minerals from Orissa were allegedly bought by industries in the country as well as abroad.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Orissa BJP chief Suresh Pujari.
“We demand a CBI probe into the affair.”
A survey by Jan Sammelani revealed that at least 155 mine operators, including some national steel majors and even the state-owned OMC, continued mining after the expiry of their leases.
A mine operator whose lease-renewal application is pending with the state government can apply to the central government for a temporary mining order, subject to clearance from the Union ministry of forest and environment. Not a single mine operator has applied for it.
http://www.topnews.in/orissa-session-opens-mining-scam-row-2237464

Discrepancies in information on mining leases given to Karnataka Minister

S. Nagesh Kumar
Supreme Court panel seeks views of A.P. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
HYDERABAD: A Central Empowered Committee (on Environment and Forests) of the Supreme Court has found certain “prima facie” discrepancies in the information furnished by Andhra Pradesh on the actual extent of the three mines given in lease to iron ore companies owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister Gali Janardhana Reddy.
The boundaries of the mines shown in the Survey Report are prima faciedifferent from the sketches on the approved mining leases, the committee said in a communication sent to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on Friday. A copy of it is available with The Hindu.
In 2001, Mr. Reddy’s family was given leases of three mines, measuring 25.98, 39.50 and 68.5 hectares at Obulapuram and H. Siddapuram villages in Anantapur district. Following the Telugu Desam Party’s allegations that Mr. Reddy’s firms had encroached on land beyond the leased area, the then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy appointed a Survey Committee, which gave a clean chit to the companies.
The Empowered Committee significantly concluded that “if the village boundary as drawn by the State-level Committee is taken to be correct, at least one mining lease overlaps into two other mining leases. In other words, the combined sketch map of mining leases does not tally with the individual mining lease sketches,” the letter said and sought specific observations from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
The official was also asked to submit copies of the show-cause notices issued by the Anantapur Divisional Forest Officer. (DFO Kallol Biswas on October 28 served notices on the Obulapuram Mining Company for suspending its mining licences and subsequently received threats in person). Further, the Empowered Committee wanted copies of the sketch map of the five mines prepared by the Forest Department on the basis of the village boundary as demarcated by the Survey Committee, besides the sketch map of the sanctioned mining leases.
The five mining leases are a reference to the two given to the OMC, one to the Anantapur Mining Corporation, all owned by Mr. Reddy’s family, and the remaining two in the names of Bellary Iron Ore Co. Pvt. Ltd (BIOP) and Y. Mahabaleswarappa & Sons respectively.
The TDP has alleged that the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments had surrendered to the ‘mining mafia’, in a reference to Mr. Janardhana Reddy, while loyalists of Congress MP Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused that party of dancing to the tunes of S.K. Modi, owner of BIOP. (The Central Empowered Committee was constituted under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act on a direction from the Supreme Court in May 2002 in connection with two writ petitions to save India’s forests and wildlife.)
http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/15/stories/2009111557230100.htm

BJP to go strident on mining, Vedanta issues

BJD Legislature Party meeting in progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Express News Service
First Published : 18 Nov 2009 04:05:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 18 Nov 2009 07:58:23 AM IST

BHUBANESWAR: The BJP will raise four burning issues in the winter session of the Assembly to corner the ruling BJD.
The string of suicides by the farmers during the last two months, the multi-crore mining scam and the reluctance of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to order a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into it, handing over of land near Puri at a throwaway price for the proposed Vedanta University and deteriorating law and order situation including Balangir violence triggered by death of a student.
The meeting of the BJP Legislature Party presided over by its leader KV Singhdeo criticised the State Government for having no policy to extend support to the farmers who are committing suicide because of crop loss and caterpillars.
Singhdeo described the situation as unprecedented as 28 farmers have so far committed suicide. Instead of taking steps to save the situation, the State Government is making frivolous statements criticising the Opposition.
Statements like ‘Opposition is playing politics over the bodies of farmers is absurd,’ he said.
The BJP will raise the mining scam demanding a CBI probe into it. The Vigilance probe ordered by the Chief Minister is only an eyewash and is meant to protect the ruling party politicians. Besides, the party will also demand scrapping of the MoU signed between Vedanta Resources and the State Government to set up a university.
A national fact-finding team had visited Keonjhar and Puri to take stock of the situation. Five BJP MLAs and Independent MLA from Nilgiri Pratap Chandra Sarangi attended the meeting. Manoj Pradhan, the MLA from Kandhamal could not attend as he will be available tomorrow after the court process.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=BJP+to+go+strident+on+mining,+Vedanta+issues&artid=1lI4tf36UEY=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=

AIL-NMDC to invest Rs 260 cr in Arki limestone mine

NEW DELHI: State-run steel producer SAIL and mining major NMDC will invest Rs 260 crore in developing the Arki limestone reserves in Himachal Pradesh.
The two PSUs today entered into a joint venture agreement aimed at starting production from the 100-million tonnes reserves in next three years. “The companies will together invest Rs 260 crore in development of the mines,'' Steel Minister Virbhadra Sin gh told reporters here.
Giving details, NMDC Chairman Rama Som said that the modalities of the joint venture will be worked out and a “task force for the purpose has been set up.''
“In three years time, we will aim to produce two million tonnes of limestone per annum from the reserves,'' he added. Arki reserves are rich in steel-grade limestone used in steel making. SAIL, being the joint venture partner, will have the right over t he limestone lumps produced from the mines, which will minimise its dependence on imports of the mineral.
“At present we require 1.6 million tonnes of limestone. We meet the requirement domestically as well as through imports. With our ongoing capacity expansion, the limestone requirement is pegged to go to 3 million tonnes in next few years,'' SAIL Chairman S K Roongta said. However, he maintained that SAIL would keep the “option open'' to import limestone which will heavily depend on the "freight rates.'' - PTI
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/businessline/blnus/03161805.htm

Mining – International

Atlas Mining unit makes 12th copper shipment to China
________________________________________
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/18/2009 2:51 PM
MANILA - Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. said its subsidiary has successfully loaded its 12th shipment of copper concentrates from the Toledo mine in Cebu.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Atlas Mining said Carmen Copper Corp. (CCC) shipped about 5,462.058 wet metric tons (wmt) of copper concentrates to Qingdao, China last November 15.
"The concentrates which were loaded on board M/V VSG Dream destined for Qingdao, China were consigned, through CCC's offtaker MRI Trading, to Yanggu Xingguang Copper Co. Ltd. of Shandong Province in China," Atlas Mining said.
The shipment contains about 28.48% copper, 2.83 grams of gold per dry metric ton (dmt), and 27.77 grams of silver per dmt. Atlas Mining said the latest shipment is worth over $9 million.
Since it started production late last year, Atlas Mining said CCC has already exported about 58,850.921 dmt of copper concentrates to China, which contain approximately 38.01 million pounds of copper.
"Milling performance has significantly improved with the recommissioning this month of Ball Mill No. 1 which was shut down on August 20, 2009 for repair work. Mill capacity is expected to reach 42,000 tons per day by the early part of 2010 upon the commissioning of CCC's Ball Mill No. 7," Atlas Mining said.
as of 11/18/2009 2:52 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/18/09/atlas-mining-unit-makes-12th-copper-shipment-china

In WA, old mining town elects a Muslim mayor

By MANUEL VALDES (AP) – 10 hours ago
GRANITE FALLS, Wash. — Granite Falls residents are suspicious of any newcomers, let alone a Muslim native of Pakistan who moved to this rugged, blue-collar mining town to open his own bar.
But 54-year-old Haroon Saleem has thrived, winning over the town with hard work and an easy smile. He has become so popular that, on Nov. 3, he won the mayor's job in a landslide, getting 61 percent of the more than 800 votes cast — a result that residents say would have been inconceivable not long ago.
"In the old Granite Falls, there were no minorities. It was a rough, rough, logging town. Any outsider, whether a minority or somebody from Everett, was the same. It was very difficult to be accepted in this town," said Sharon Ashton, a close confidant of Saleem.
Saleem said he was nervous about being accepted, and hired a white assistant manager to ease local concerns when he opened his bar in 2000.
"I was kind of scared, you know," he says.
But he was embraced virtually from the start.
"That tells you how good and great of a community Granite Falls is," he says with a slight accent. "They didn't care ... I am who I am, and people love me for that, and I just love people. People know that I am smart, I am a businessman. In the big scheme of things, all these qualities have made me, got me to where I am today."
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Saleem said community members reached out, letting him know he was one of them. No one seems to notice that his wife, Bushra, attends social events in a traditional shalwar dress.
Perhaps it helps that he owns one of the local watering holes, Saleem laughs. He admits that running the Timberline Cafe, with beer ads plastered everywhere, is not exactly a pious following of Islam, which forbids alcohol consumption. But Saleem's story isn't typical.
He emigrated from Rawalpindi, a city next to Islamabad, Pakistan's capital — where his father's business tanked and family feuds were a constant worry — to work in Iran as a seaman and then to the U.S. in 1979 on a visitor visa. When the visa expired, he decided to risk staying in the country.
In Los Angeles, Saleem made a living driving cabs — a time, he says, in which he struggled with a gambling problem. While living in San Francisco, he married a girlfriend, then fled after immigration authorities moved to expel him. They divorced soon after.
In the 1980s, he was granted amnesty. He looked at restaurant management as a way to turn his life around. He also accepted an arranged marriage, and now has an 11-year-old daughter. For years, he worked at Jack in the Box and Shari's restaurants before deciding to open his own place. He found a quaint saloon in Granite Falls, and says he fell in love with this old mining town after years hustling in big cities. He has found his niche.
In his cluttered office in the back, Saleem is still being congratulated by employees and patrons days after his election victory.
His challenges as new mayor are just beginning. Rolling Stone magazine in 2003 labeled Granite Falls as a methamphetamine town, an image that lingers. There are tense relations between Saleem and the police chief. Just this past week, local TV news crews descended after the fire chief was accused of drinking on the job.
And, despite his popularity at the ballot box, not everyone is a fan of the balding man with a graying mustache.
Supporters of the defeated mayor, Lyle Romack, contend Saleem ran a dirty campaign and question his integrity, pointing to liquor board citations at his saloon and his time living as an illegal immigrant.
"I'm extremely disappointed by the decisions he's made in the past that don't reflect good character to me, doesn't reflect good character to our government," says Debbie Taylor, a former city council member.
A Web site called anybodybutsaleem.com went up during the election campaign. It put emphasis on the fact that Saleem lists his name as Sheikh H. Saleem in business licenses and court documents. Sheikh means 'chief' in Arabic, and it is a common surname for males.
"Why would you not use your real name?" the site says. After the election, the home page read: "OMG! What have we done?"
An administrator who runs the Web site declined to comment.
Saleem said he didn't mind the attacks, calling the attention to his name the "only thing they could come up with."
Barbara Webster, who runs a hair salon near Saleem's bar, sees him as someone who wants to help small businesses like hers.
"He's always really been kind to me. I really didn't think of him as being Muslim. Some of the people in town — some of the older people in town — probably do, but I think for the most part, he overcame that," Webster said.
"To minorities, America's a great place, you can achieve whatever you want to. That's the American dream. That's why millions of people have come here and want to come here," Saleem says.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gl0Vj3_wOeua66V58NNs_q0sSb6AD9C1JGP81

Mine infrastructure an 'engineering wonder'

By Meera Nambiar and Paul Robinson
Posted Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:06am AEDT
• Map: Mount Isa 4825
Mining giant Xstrata's Mount Isa Mines has been included in the top 10 engineering projects of Queensland's 150-year history.
The mine, in the state's north-west, will be featured in the Engineers Australia's Engineering Wonders of Queensland publication.
Engineers Australia says Mount Isa Mines pioneered some of the first mining and processing practices used in the country, with many of the technologies being adopted across the world.
The Bowen Basin coal mine infrastructure and industry in Gladstone will also be featured in the publication.
Engineers Australia says central Queensland has world-class mines and infrastructure including electrified rail lines to transport coal to markets.
It says Gladstone has a reputation as Australia's economic powerhouse, with the second largest alumina refinery in the world, Australia's biggest aluminium smelter and the nation's largest power station.
Engineers Australia says Gladstone also has one of Australia's most substantial and sophisticated ports in the nation.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/18/2745882.htm?section=business

BHP chief says big mining will meet demand

By Peter Smith in Sydney
Published: November 18 2009 08:45 | Last updated: November 18 2009 08:45
Marius Kloppers said the big mining houses had the capacity to meet the world’s rising demand for fuels and ores in the coming decades in a speech where he also sought to downplay fears expressed by industrialising nations over “resources security”.
But the BHP Billiton chief executive also underlined the scale of demand expected from fast-developing nations when he said China alone may require five times as much iron ore in the next 15 years as it had in the past 15 years. By 2030, China would have more than 220 cities with populations above 1m people, Mr Kloppers said.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Lex: Rio / BHP - Nov-18
Iron ore’s rise strengthens miners’ hand - Nov-10
Interactive feature: Iron ore pricing war - Oct-15
Eurofer statement - Nov-18
Australia says China extends Rio probe - Nov-12
BHP, the world’s biggest mining group, and Rio Tinto, its Anglo-Australian rival, are working to a December 5 deadline to agree an iron ore joint venture production company that would pool both groups’ operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The venture, which would dominate the global iron ore industry, is opposed by steelmakers in China, Japan and Europe that argue it would restrict competition. The European Commission is expected to be the most significant regulatory obstacle to the joint venture.
Mr Kloppers said that between now and 2025, China may require 18bn-25bn tonnes of iron ore to make steel, compared with about 5bn tonnes in the past 15 years.
“Companies like BHP, and many of our competitors, have deep commitments to delivering resources for which we are contracted,” he said.
He said Japan’s economic rise provided a lesson to other countries because it too had fears about securing its natural resources needs. “In time, and on the basis of experience, Japan came to trust markets to deliver the raw materials it needed,” he said.
Mr Kloppers also highlighted the deficiencies of the annual iron ore negotiations to set a benchmark price, which ended in acrimony earlier this year when the large mining groups refused to give Chinese steelmakers bigger price cuts than had already been agreed with other steelmakers.
In contrast, he said the price setting mechanism for exchange traded commodities was “very transparent, accessible to multiple parties and fully reflects global supply and demand dynamics”.
“Commercial market mechanism will ensure that developing nations’ raw material demand is met, that suppliers obtain sufficient investment to meet demand and that new deposits of raw materials are discovered,” he said.
Australia’s mining sector is expected to benefit materially from rising demand from Asia, led by China.
Including indirect effects on other sectors, Australia’s mining sector accounts for about 18 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
“Beyond this colossal size, the mining sector is growing at almost twice the rate as the rest of the economy,” Mr Kloppers said.
He added that export revenue from the mining and oil and gas sectors would surpass the A$100bn mark for the first time in 2009.
“And this at a time of demand slowdown and falling prices across commodity markets,” he said.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fa398e66-d418-11de-990c-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1

Other News

NEAA Stays Environmental Clearance of ATHENA POWER PLANT

The National Environment Appellate Authority today (17-11-2009) stayed the Environment Clearance granted to the 1200 MW Athena Thermal Power Plant at Raigarh, Chattisgarh. The decision came as a result of the Appeal filed by Ramesh Aggarwal and the "Villagers of Singhatarai" who challenged the environmental clearance on the ground that the Ministry of Environment and Forest approved the project without considering the fact that the Public Hearing was cancelled by the chairperson in view of the documents not being made available to the affected public and the procedure as contemplated in the EIA Notification was not followed. There was nothing on record to show that the Expert Appraisal committee of the MoEF took note of the concerns expressed by the people and even took note of the decision of the chairperson (additional Collector) to declare the hearing null and void.

The lone member of the NEAA, J.C Kala went through the video recording of the Public Hearing for over an hour which was provided by the Appellants and was convinced that there was discrepancy in what was recorded in the minutes of the public hearing and what was spoken in public by the Collector. The video recording clearly showed large scale opposition of the public to the project.

The Expert Appriasal Committee has been directed to look into the public hearing proceedings and take a decision. The NEAA stated that the Environmental Clearance could not have been granted without following the due procedure prescribed in the EIA Notification, 2006.

Soruce : The Access Initiative (TAI India)

Over 600 million people to get UI cards till 2015: Nilekani

PTI 17 November 2009, 07:42pm IST
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PATNA: Over 600 million people will get their Unique Identification cards within the next five and a half years, Chairman of Unique
Identification Authority of India Nandan Nilekani said on Tuesday.

Nilekani, after his meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, said the work for the UI cards will start in Bihar somewhere between August and December, 2010.

Kumar asked Nilekani to ensure preparations of the cards in the state at the time of festivals like Chhath, Holi, Diwali and Eid to ensure that more people are covered as the migrants return home during these festivities.

The chief minister said that the E-shakti scheme will be introduced in other parts of the state. It will help in weeding out corruption in implementing NREGA, he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Over-600-million-people-to-get-UI-cards-till-2015-Nilekani/articleshow/5240390.cms

Society should take steps to end scavenging: President

Updated on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 18:44 ISTTags:President, scavenging, society

New Delhi: Lamenting that scavenging is still prevalent in some parts of the country despite a ban on it, President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday said society should take stern steps to end this inhuman practice.

"It is sad that scavenging is still prevalent in some parts of the country while it is legally banned. Society should take stern steps to end this inhuman practice so that an ideal society could be formed," she said.

Patil was addressing a programme organised here by the Rural Development Ministry to honour block panchayat presidents and district panchayat presidents for their contribution in making their villages "open-defecation free".

Twenty eight block panchayat presidents and 2 district panchayat presidents received Nirlam Gram Puraskar 2009 from Patil. Rural Development Minister CP Joshi, Ministers of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma and Pradeep Kumar Jain Aditya were also present.

Patil said to end the practice of scavenging, proper arrangements should be made for the rehabilitation of those engaged in the unclean occupation in a time bound manner.

Patil said the role of women in villages should be given utmost priority in the total sanitation campaign as providing facility of toilets to them would help in boosting their self-respect and honour.

"I want that self-help groups of women, Anganbaris and other women organisations pay special attention towards cleanliness of their villages and become part of the (total sanitation) campaign," Patil said.

Patil said proper toilet facility should necessarily be made available to school children and residents of Anganbaris.

"It is often seen that girls stop going to schools because of the non-availability of toilets. We should pay attention to this," she said.

Noting that Sikkim has already reached the target of total sanitation, Patil said it was an example that should be followed by other states.

Patil appreciated the work being done by Sulabh International and other similar organisations across the country and said total sanitation campaign is a kind of programme which requires peoples' active participation.

Listing the various rural development schemes including NREGA being run by the government, Patil said, people should not remain a spectator to development but actively ensure their participation in it.

She said Panchayati Raj Institutions can play an important role in successful implementation of all rural development schemes as they are in direct contact with the people and understand their problems and priorities better.

Bureau Report

http://www.zeenews.com/news579789.html

Unwilling to act

Governments across the country have shown a remarkable reluctance to use the S.C./S.T. Act to protect Dalits from upper-caste violence.

VIVEK BENDRE

Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange. Four members of his family, including two women, were hacked to death in September 2006. In September 2008, six persons were awarded the death sentence in the case, but their appeal is pending in the Bombay High Court.
GROWING UNEASE
By Lyla Bavadam in Mumbai
ATROCITIES against the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes registered a steady rise in Maharashtra from 890 cases in 1999 to 1,385 cases in 2007, the latest year for which government statistics are available. In 1995, the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance promised to repeal the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, if voted to power. The reasoning was that it was a hindrance to communal harmony. One of the first moves of the Sena-BJP government (1995-2000) was to withdraw more than 1,000 cases registered under the Act, saying many of them were false. This in itself was illegal since it requires the court’s consent to withdraw cases. Most of the cases related to the aftermath of the violence that followed the renaming of Marathwada University as Dr Ambedkar University. Upper-caste Hindus protested violently at the time. Even now, caste tensions in the Marathwada region are the highest in the State.
Apart from the Sena-BJP’s attempt to get rid of the Act, there are doubts about the commitment of the government, of whichever party, towards it. Quoting figures from the 2007 annual report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the Asian Centre for Human Rights’ publication “Torture in India 2009” states that the NCRB “reported a total of 30,031 cases – including 206 cases under the Protection of Civil Rights Act and 9,819 cases under the S.C./S.T. Act – against the S.Cs in 2007. Although the average charge-sheeting rate for the crimes against the S.Cs was 90.6 per cent, the average conviction rate was only 30.9 per cent. A total of 51,705 persons (78.9 per cent) out of 65,554 persons arrested for crimes committed against Scheduled Castes were charge-sheeted, but only 29.4 per cent were convicted, consisting of 13,871 persons out of 47,136 persons against whom trials were completed.”
Special courts to try atrocity cases do not exist in Maharashtra. Instead, the government makes placatory gestures that do not go beyond reiterating the provisions of the S.C./S.T. Act. The most recent example was when the previous government said it would fine and curtail development funds to an entire village where a caste atrocity was committed . This provision exists in the Act. N.K. Sonare, national president of the Ambedkar Centre for Justice and Peace, India, said: “Everything is on paper. Nothing is applied. Instead there is always pressure on the people not to file complaints. The police are instructed not to file FIRs or to leave loopholes in investigation.” Sonare added that there were numerous conventions and recommendatory reports that supported victims of caste abuse, but the government was lax about following them.
If it had, then incidents such as the one that took place at Rajnai village in Beed district on August 23 could have been prevented. A 15-year-old S.C. girl was kidnapped and gangraped by three men, one of whom is believed to be a Hindu priest. She was left at a bus stand by her assailants. Her family filed an FIR but the police initially refused to register a case under the S.C./S.T. Act, though they did it later, under pressure from a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The main accused has not yet been arrested and the family is under pressure to withdraw the case. “They are landless people and depend on the upper castes for their income. This is being used to put pressure on them,” said a representative of the NGO.
If they did own some land and decide to grow something on it, they could meet the fate of Madhukar Ghatge of Kulakjai village in Satara district. When he retired from his job in the Railways in Mumbai in 2007, he only had one aim – cultivate his land in the village. One of the first things he did was to dig a well after acquiring the permission from the panchayat. It was, tragically, his last action. Ghatge’s upper-caste neighbours were enraged at his “audacity”. On April 26, 2007, he was attacked with rods and axes and he died on the way to hospital. Fourteen people were identified as the assailants and 12 were arrested and charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the S.C./S.T. Act. A charge sheet was filed and they were released on bail. They are now believed to be absconding.
VIVEK BENDRE

At Khairlanji village in Maharashtra's Bhandara district, outside the house of Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange.
If Dalits raised their voice, they were silenced brutally, as a young mother (name withheld) was at Telgaon village in Solapur district in March 2006. She knew she was taking a bold step when she complained against the liquor barons in her village but had no idea that they would use her caste against her. The mother of a child was stripped, beaten, paraded and then kept on “display” for a few hours. Her child was with her through this humiliation. After media intervention an FIR was filed under the S.C./S.T. Act, but the young woman’s social, emotional and economic support systems had been destroyed. Social pressures forced her husband to abandon her. She has no land and others are unwilling to employ her. Under the Act she is eligible for rehabilitation, but the district administration refused this. Instead, she was told that she could live in a government institution for abandoned women. Her child lives in another such institution. Her case is in the sessions court at Solapur at present.
Caste hatred at its worst perhaps was witnessed at Khairlanji village in Bhandara district in September 2006 when four members of a Dalit family, the Bhotmanges, were lynched by their neighbours belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), apparently following a dispute over the ownership and use of land. The two women victims were paraded naked and were said to have been gangraped by the residents of the village. All of them were ultimately hacked to death. In September 2008, six people were given the death sentence for the crime but they went in appeal and the case is in the Bombay High Court.
The greatest criticism against the handling of the Khairlanji case was that it was handled from a purely criminal angle and without invoking the S.C./S.T. Act. The charges related to murder, outraging the modesty of women, criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly with deadly weapons (rape charges were not brought since the post-mortem did not give proof of that). The caste hatred and atrocity angle was completely bypassed even though the Bhotmanges lost their lives because they were Dalits.
That a person’s Dalit identity still overrides everything else in the villages was something Mumbai-returned Dilip Shendge, 25, forgot when he presumed that the use of the public handpump in his village, Bhutegaon in Jalna district, would be on a first-come, first-served basis, in May 2003. For this “lapse” he was murdered and his sister was accosted by a group of upper-caste Patils who taunted her about her caste. Later, she was beaten unconscious when she intervened in a fight between another brother of hers and some boys. Later that evening, the brother, sister and their mother were set on fire outside their house by a mob of Patils. Neighbours doused the flames, but it took them three hours to get the victims to hospital on a bullock cart. Dilip died a few days later of severe burns. A fact-finding team from the Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights was told at the police station that the register for the Bhutegaon case could not be found.
In July 1997, half way into the Sena-BJP government’s term, one morning the mainly Dalit residents of Ramabai Nagar in north Mumbai woke up to see a garland of slippers around a bust of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. They reacted violently, stoning vehicles on the nearby highway. The State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) was called in, and within minutes of their arrival they opened fire, killing 10 Dalits. On May 2009, a fast track court in Mumbai sentenced the SRPF platoon commander, Manohar Kadam, to life imprisonment. Though he was ultimately convicted of culpable homicide (and not under the S.C./S.T. Act), the real reason for the trouble remains a mystery.
The incident brought the Dalit population together in a way that Dalit leaders failed to. Already enraged by the 1995 decision to withdraw cases filed under the S.C./S.T. Act, Dalits were further infuriated by the defence of the firing by Chief Minister Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde of the BJP. In the 1999 Assembly elections the alliance was voted out and it is widely accepted that Dalits, who form 12 per cent of the State’s population, played a significant role in this.
HOSTILE ACTS
By T.K. Rajalakshmi in Jaipur
IT is still known as “Kumher kaand” (Kumher carnage). The massacre of Jatavs in Kumher town in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district 17 years ago is something that is not forgotten easily. The incident occurred on June 6, 1992, when 254 homes and hutments were set ablaze. Officially, 17 Jatavs were burnt alive, but independent sources put the number of dead at 30. There were cases of arson, molestation and destruction of property of Jatavs by Jats of the area. Some 600 families reportedly fled Kumher. The BJP was the ruling party in Rajasthan in 1992 and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat the Chief Minister.
P.L. Mimroth, founder of the Centre for Dalit Rights (CDR), recalls not only the incident but the struggle to make public the report of the K.S. Lodha Commission (also called the Kumher Inquiry Commission). The commission readied its report in 1996. The report, says Mimroth, was never tabled; only an Action Taken Report was submitted by the BJP government in 2006, after a lot of pressure was put through the courts, though the government claimed that it had tabled the actual report. “I asked many legislators. They denied seeing a copy of the Lodha Commission report,” he said.
Mimroth added that he could not obtain a copy of the report until 2006; he got it only after filing a writ petition and a petition under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In 1992, Mimroth was the general secretary of the Society of Depressed People for Social Justice and had deposed before the Lodha Commission. “I have three gunny bags of affidavits relating to the Kumher case,” says Mimroth, who was entrusted with the task of conducting an inquiry by the National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), an organisation based in Delhi.
Since 1992, there have been many incidents involving violence and atrocities against Dalits but none evoked the kind of revulsion “Kumher kaand” did. It started with a clash in a cinema hall when some Jatav youth were manhandled. Then the cinema hall was pelted with stones and rumours were spread that the modesty of upper-caste women had been outraged. The frenzy that was built up soon metamorphosed into an organised pogrom against Jatavs. Water supply to the Jatav locality was disconnected and the hutments were set afire.
In Bharatpur that day, Jats of 46 villages held a caste panchayat where aggressive speeches were made. Barring the victims and people representing them, no one else, including those representing the administration, found anything harmful in the aggressive posturing.
It is not surprising that the writ of caste and community panchayats continues to run in the face of administrative apathy and nonchalance in parts of western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. As a result the democratic rights of the poor, women and the socially marginalised are violated regularly. With widening economic inequalities and a section desirous of seeking the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, such clashes and tensions are likely to increase.
Most conflicts are related to land. The record of implementing land reforms is very poor in Rajasthan. There are at least 10 atrocity-prone districts but the State government has not declared a single one as such and the administrative infrastructure to deal with them under the provisions of the S.C./S.T. Act are missing. Of the 33 districts, only 17 have special courts to deal with atrocities against Dalits. “The Act provides for all these. It is a stringent and exhaustive piece of legislation provided it is implemented,” said Mimroth.
CENTRE FOR DALIT RIGHTS

A Dalit woman who was assaulted twice allegedly by a contractor appointed under the NREGA at Tikel village, 60 km from Jaipur, in June.
Curiously, in 1992, the advent of the Act seemed to have a direct bearing on the events that led to the Kumher incident. Among the many submissions made to the Lodha Commission, there was one, made by the Zila Nyaya Sangharsh Samiti, claiming that following the advent of the Act, Jatavs had trumped up several false cases against upper-caste people and that Congress politicians, with a view to suppress Jats had always appointed Jatavs in key posts in Bharatpur district. It was ironic that even this did little to prevent the carnage. The Sangharsh Samiti concluded that Jatavs were not Dalits, that they were economically sound.
Another organisation to submit a statement of facts was the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP, which held, among other things, that in Bharatpur district, the relationship between Jatavs and Jats was very cordial and that only political parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) provided an impetus to the caste conflict. The Lodha Commission rubbished this assertion but averred that there had been indiscriminate use of the S.C./S.T. Act, which fractured “reciprocal relations between Jats and Jatavs at Kumher and its vicinity.”
While the Lodha Commission made broadly progressive recommendations and observations, it noted that the S.C./S.T. Act had become “the prime circumstance for deteriorated (sic) mutual harmony between Jatavs and other upper castes”. It is baffling that a piece of legislation, by its use, should lead to disharmony unless it upset the status quo to a large extent. More surprising is the fact that no government wanted the Lodha Commission report made public.
Eastern Rajasthan borders certain districts of Uttar Pradesh, which in that period had seen the rise of the BSP. Whether this acted as a catalyst is not certain, though clashes between Jatavs and Jats in these areas were reportedly common. The Lodha Commission was critical of the district administration for not carrying out preventive arrests and not issuing prohibitory orders. Instead, the Commission noted, an elaborate exercise was undertaken against Jatavs.
As in most States, the rate of registration of crimes against Dalits in Rajasthan is not very high. All ruling parties have done little to remedy this. A study conducted by the CDR in 2008 found that of the total 1,261 cases of atrocities against Dalits that year, nearly 380 related to the practice of untouchability; 149 related to violence against women; 140 involved land disputes; and 181 pertained to violence during elections.
Vasudev, State secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), explained that eastern Rajasthan was particularly vulnerable to caste violence owing to the benefits of education percolating down. However, he said, the tribal people of southern Rajasthan were in a much worse state.
“Until and unless there is an organised protest, no first information report [FIRs] is registered. We need to bring land reforms centre stage,” he said, adding that the increasing economic deprivation of these sections made them more vulnerable than before. He mentioned the gangrape of a Dalit college student on August 15 at Neem Ka Thana in Sikar district. It was only after the CPI(M) and other organisations made a hue and cry the culprits, all upper-caste youth, were arrested.
The situation of S.Ts was no less different. Barring one dominant section residing in the eastern parts of the State, which benefited most from the reservation policy, the tribal people of southern Rajasthan remain more or less where they were before Independence.
Said Vasudev: “Twenty years ago, at a meeting in Dungarpur, I asked a group of Bhils what their concept of heaven was. An old lady, Mangi Bai, said heaven for her meant a bowl of sweet laapi [wheat porridge], a guthdi [a cover made from old clothes] and a jhompi [hut]. They dream of the same things even today.”
A State secretariat member of the CPI(M), Dhuli Chand Meena, who is associated with the Kisan Sabha in southern Rajasthan, said the atrocities against the tribal people were mainly land-related. In those parts, where the remnants of feudalism still persisted along with mixed populations, discrimination existed in the form of denying the tribal people the right to sit on cots or in chairs or even wear proper clothes, he said.
“Whenever cases are registered, they are not followed up and cognisable offences are not registered. The conviction rates for atrocities committed against the tribal people are very low. In fact, what can be said for the S.Cs can be safely extended to the S.Ts as well, the only difference being that all the human development indicators of the S.Ts in southern Rajasthan are very poor when compared with even the rest of the State,” Dhuli Chand Meena said.
If anything, the Act, along with other laws such as the Forest Rights Act, needs to be implemented rigorously. For a social reform measure to succeed one of the basic prerequisites is political will, which seems to be lacking.
CONSTANT VIGIL
By Venkitesh Ramakrishnan
in Bathani Tola and Patna
“THE senas [militia] are not very active and there have been no big attacks or mass killings. But life is still the same. We are here and they are there, in different parts of the village, with not much communication or contact. And, of course, there is the fear that something may break out unexpectedly. We need to keep vigil all the time.” This was how Lal Chand Chaudhary, 55, described the present situation at Bathani Tola in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.
Thirteen years ago, on July 11, 1996, he, a Dalit, lost his wife, Sancharu Devi, and one-and–a-half-year-old girl child, Baby Sugandhi, when members of the Ranveer Sena, the self-professed militia of the upper-caste Bhumihar community, launched a ferocious attack on the hamlet. Among the 22 people killed were 12 women and eight children. Lal Chand got a compensation of Rs.1 lakh from the government and help to set up a telephone booth, but that did not change social equations. As he says, his community of Dalits and a clutch of Muslims occupy the Tola and the Bhumihars stay a little distance away in the main part called Barki Kharaon.
Lal Chand and many others, including his neighbour Phaguni Chaudhary, whose mother and brother were killed that day, made bold to stay on in Bathani Tola and show that they would not succumb to terror. But not so Naimuddeen, the bangle seller who lost six members of his family in the attack; he moved to Ara, the district headquarters of Bhojpur. He, too, got a compensation for the lives lost and the job of a peon in a government office in Ara.
RANJEET KUMAR

Lal Chand Chaudhary (sitting) lost his wife and infant daughter in the massacre of Dalits by the Ranveer Sena at Bathani Tola village in Bihar's Bhojpur district in 1996. Twenty-two Dalits were killed in the attack. While many Dalits fled the village, Chaudhary stayed back and now runs a telephone booth at his house along with his son.
Talking to Frontline, Naimuddeen said that though he has a job the governments that came to power since 1996 are yet to fulfil the promises and assurances they gave. “As I lost six of my kin, the then government offered jobs to two survivors in the family. But the promise made to my son is yet to be kept despite our submitting innumerable applications to successive governments over the past decade,” he says.
Naimuddeen adds that the administration has failed to address the security concerns of the family. “As a family that got ravaged in a gruesome caste attack, I had asked for a gun licence to protect myself, but that has been denied systematically. There is the propaganda that the Ranveer Sena is a dead organisation, but that is entirely untrue,” he says. “They are regrouping under a new leadership and have stepped up their activities in many places, including Bhojpur district. The only succour we have is from the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist-Liberation) led by leaders like Dipankar Bhattacharjee.”
The CPI (ML) has been active in the village since the early 1970s and has been winning panchayat elections in and around Bathani Tola since 1978. According to a number of Dalits and Muslims, this political affiliation does help in keeping the balance of power in the village. Still, there are stray attacks and skirmishes. Last year, two young men of the Tola, Dhanesh Kanu and his friend Tarakeshwar Yadav, were killed in the Barki Kharaon area. Kanu, a plus-two student, had gone for a function in his school and had taken a short-cut close to Barki Kharaon. He and Tarakeshwar Yadav were done to death in that part of the village. Kanu’s aunt Kunti Devi said her nephew was killed by members of the upper-caste militia in a clear instance of caste killing. However, the local police and the administration treated this as a case of personal vendetta.
According to activists of the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), such official apathy is nothing new and is not confined to places like Bathani Tola. They point out that the families of the 10 Dalit victims belonging to the Nat community, who were lynched by upper-caste people on September 13, 2007, in Dhelpruva village in Vaishali district, were also given similar treatment by the administration. However, political mobilisation by different Dalit organisations, including the Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the CPI(ML) and the NCDHR, has strengthened the resolve of Dalit communities in many parts of the State to fight for their rights.
Lakshmanpur-Bathe, where 58 Dalits, including women and children, were killed on December 1, 1997, by Ranveer Sena activists, is cited as a case in point by many observers. Dalits of the village have reportedly become more organised after the incident and demand their rights in a collective and effective manner.
This has curtailed the strike power of many upper-caste militias. For 25 years, starting from the mid-1970s, Bihar had a large number of active upper-caste militia groups, making the State synonymous with atrocities against the S.C. Over 80 armed attacks took place against Dalits and other oppressed sections during this period and claimed more than 300 lives. Such rampant attacks have come down in the past five years.
However, as the people of Bathani Tola, including Lal Chand Chaudhary, noted, this by itself has not brought about dramatic changes in the social equations or in the discrimination against Dalits. A fear that things can take a turn for the worse rules large sections of the Dalit population in Bihar even today and the community exists in a state of eternal vigil.
LITTLE IMPACT
By S. Dorairaj in Chennai
IF the Kizhavenmani carnage of Dalits in 1968 in the then composite Thanjavur district is an indelible blot on the history of Tamil Nadu, there followed many more such crimes, each more heinous than the previous one. The Melavalavu multiple murders, the Tamiraparani massacre, the Kodiyankulam violence, the Nalumoolaikinaru atrocities, the Thinniyam humiliation and the murder of democracy in Pappapatti and three other reserved village panchayats where elections were scuttled for 10 years were the worst among them. The enactment of the S.C./S.T. Act in 1989 and the notification of its Rules in 1995 made no difference to this horrible situation.
According to the State Crime Records Bureau, from 2003 to 2008 a total of 8,209 crimes against Dalits were reported, including 5,047 cases under the S.C./S.T. Act and 3,162 under the IPC. The average conviction rate in both categories was only 24.26 per cent. But Evidence, a Madurai-based NGO, has put the average conviction rate in the cases registered under the S.C./S.T. Act alone at 5 per cent to 7 per cent.
Progressive and secular forces by their concerted efforts have recorded resounding successes in the legal battle against casteist forces in a few cases. In the Melavalavu (Madurai district) case, relating to the gruesome killing of the local panchayat president K. Murugesan and five other Dalits on June 30, 1997, the Supreme Court upheld the life sentence awarded to 17 persons in its order on October 22, 2009.
Uthapuram in Madurai district is another success story where a part of the “wall of untouchability” put up by casteist forces was demolished and the victims of police excesses were paid a total compensation of Rs.15 lakh on the recommendation of the inquiry commission appointed by the Madras High Court in January last. The Dalits’ struggle to end caste oppression in the village had the complete backing of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF), the CPI(M) and the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA).
Much ahead of these two cases, the apex court gave a landmark judgment in a case relating to police excesses in Nalumoolaikinaru in Tuticorin district in 1992, holding 82 police personnel, including a Deputy Inspector General of Police and the Superintendent of Police, guilty. The court also ordered disbursement of compensation, totalling Rs.23 lakh, to the victims, who were represented by AIDWA.
In several other cases, the perpetrators of violence went scot-free. Notable among these is the Kodiyankulam violence of August 31, 1995, in which the police let loose terror in a Dalit habitation, and the Thamiraparani massacre of July 23, 1999, which claimed 17 lives when the police launched a brutal attack on a rally of estate workers in Tirunelveli town even as they ran towards the river in a bid to escape.
In the Thinniyam torment of May 22, 2002, the accused got away with a mild punishment though they had committed the grave crime of forcing two Dalits to eat each other’s excreta. The issue was brought to the notice of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the National S.C.-S.T. Commission by the Tamil Nadu People’s Watch.
One reason why only a small number of cases are registered is that Dalits do not file complaints against the dominant communities fearing reprisal, as they depend mostly on the landholders for their livelihood. The time-consuming nature of litigation also forces them to keep away from police stations, says P. Sampath, TNUEF convener. “Even if they lodge a complaint under the S.C./S.T. Act, the police ask the caste Hindus to lodge a counter complaint so that a criminal case is filed against the Dalits, too. The negligible conviction rate in cases under the S.C./S.T. Act also demoralises the oppressed sections,” he adds.
Senior advocate P. Rathinam, who has fought many cases of atrocities against Dalits, says that most of the crimes against the oppressed sections are not registered under the S.C./S.T. Act. “Even when they are registered, the first information report is diluted deliberately. In certain cases, due compensation, as per an order issued by the State government in 1998, is not disbursed to the victims,” he alleges.
A. Kathir, director of Evidence, has urged the State government to conduct a detailed review of the implementation of the various aspects of the S.C./S.T. Act, such as the registering of cases and the preparation of charge sheets. Of a total of 6.68 lakh cases of cognisable crimes reported in 2008, only 0.24 per cent were under the S.C./S.T. Act.
The special courts set up by the government for quick disposal of cases relating to atrocities against Dalits need better infrastructure to achieve their objective, he says. “A detailed survey on the atrocity-prone villages is the need of the hour,” he added.
As per official data, discriminatory practices against Dalits exist in 28 districts in the State, which has been ruled by the two major Dravidian parties – Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) – since 1967.
Policy note
The government’s policy note on the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department for 2009-2010 refers to the “effective implementation” of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the S.C./S.T. Act to abolish untouchability and to prevent atrocities against Dalits. It speaks about the role of the human rights and social justice wing of the State police in enforcing the provisions of the two Acts and of the four special sessions courts functioning in Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Madurai and Tirunelveli for the speedy disposal of cases.
R.M. RAJARATHINAM

One of the Dalit victims of an atrocity in 2002 at Thinniyam village in TamilNadu's Tiruchi district during an inquiry by the then District Collector K.Manivasan. He and another Dalit were forced to eat each other's excreta.
However, the government’s efforts to create awareness against untouchability have had very little impact going by Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare A. Tamilarasi’s own admission in the policy note, which was tabled in the Assembly on July 3. In it she says the message of the “mass awareness campaign and the social justice tea parties” launched by the government has reached only six lakh people so far. Cosmetic measures will do nothing to bring about any significant change in the prevailing scenario, says P. Sampath. Several other activists who have been working for the welfare of Dalits in a focussed manner also feel that radical socio-economic programmes have to be implemented for the empowerment of Dalits and to end disparities in terms of productive resources such as land, finance, education and employment, besides taking stringent measures against the perpetrators of atrocities against them.
This becomes particularly important in a State where Dalits are numerically a significant section. As per the 2001 Census, Dalits form 19 per cent and the S.Ts 1.04 per cent, of the total population of 6.24 crore. Of the 385 blocks in the State, 153 have more than 25 per cent Dalit population and around 3,550 villages have more than 40 per cent Dalit population. S.Cs and S.Ts constitute more than 20 per cent of the population in six of the 30 districts (as of 2008). Among them, in Tiruvarur they form 32.35 per cent, Nilgris 31.23 per cent, Perambalur 30.21 per cent, Cuddalore 27.76 per cent and Villupuram 27.39 per cent.
Official data for 2008 indicate that curbing atrocities against the oppressed sections is a formidable task. There are 186 villages classified as “atrocity prone” and 230 that are “dormant atrocity prone”. Among them, 166 villages have been described as “highly sensitive”.
Various social indicators make it amply clear that the State has a poor record of empowerment of Dalits. According to official sources, 31.2 per cent of the Dalit population in rural areas and 40.2 per cent in urban areas are among the below-poverty-line social groups. Official documents also point out that the literacy level of Dalits is much lower than the general literacy rate. According to the 2001 Census, as against the State’s general literacy rate of 76.2 per cent, only 63.2 per cent of Dalits and 41.5 per cent of members of the S.Ts are literate. The lack of political will for radical land reforms and redistribution of surplus land to landless Dalits has contributed to conflicts in the rural areas. Even official sources point out that though 83.08 lakh Dalits live in villages, only 10 per cent of them are cultivators. Around 90 per cent of these cultivators have less than one hectare of land. As per the 2001 Census, 58.5 per cent of Dalits are agricultural workers and 29 per cent fall in the “other workers” category.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s statement on November 11 that surplus land has been distributed to 61,985 landless Dalits under the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Reduction of Ceiling on Land) Act, 1970, only shows the yawning gap between the Dalits’ quest for land and the government’s response, a veteran leader of the All India Kisan Sabha points out.
Demanding a holistic approach to the issue, the TNUEF, an umbrella organisation of 45 State-level class and mass outfits and 15 Dalit and human rights associations, took out a rally in Chennai on October 27. Besides calling for the strict implementation of the S.C./S.T. Act and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, it called for steps to redeem the 2.5 lakh acres (one lakh hectares) of “panchami” lands grabbed from Dalits. Setting up of a State Commission for S.C.-S.T. welfare; the formation of district-level panels with due representation to Dalit organisations and secular forces to monitor the implementation of these two Acts; and the raising of the percentage of reservation for S.Cs to 19, commensurate with their population, are among the other demands of the front.
COURTS NEEDED
By Vikhar Ahmed Sayeed in Bangalore
ON August 2, 1987, in Bendigere village of Belgaum district in northern Karnataka, four S.C. youth were forced to eat human excreta by caste Hindus who accused them of stealing maize. According to excerpts from a report of the Karnataka Legislature Committee for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the year 1987-88, the upper-caste men abused the Dalit youth using their caste name and threatened them: “You bloody fellows, go and bring human shit and eat it, otherwise you will have to face severe consequences.”
Several days went by before this gross act was even reported, but the incident (along with other such instances across the country) was responsible for the inclusion of Section 3(1)(i) in the S.C./S.T. Act. However, the Act has not led to any significant reduction in atrocities reported against Dalits in the State.
According to the 2001 Census, the S.Cs constituted slightly over 16 per cent of the State’s population and the S.Ts around 6.5 per cent. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics for 2007, there were 205 incidents of crime against members of the S.Cs and 1,844 incidents against members of the S.Ts. This is partly because Dalits, more than Adivasis, have fixed roles in the political economy of a populated area.
According to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, a State-level body that looks into complaints regarding atrocities against members of the S.Cs and the S.Ts, the number of convictions under the Act is insignificant. The majority of the cases are either pending trial or are classified as “B reports” (meaning that the complaint itself has been proved wrong or false).
According to the NCRB’s statistics, Karnataka ranks sixth in the country in the number of crimes against S.Cs and eighth in crimes against S.Ts. (By population, Karnataka ranks ninth in the country.)
According to S. Japhet, Director of the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy at the National Law School of India University, part of the reason why the Act has failed to deter atrocities against Dalits is that Karnataka has some of the lowest conviction rates for complaints made under it. Japhet was the coordinator for a research that led to a report in 2005 evaluating the performance of special courts that were set up for dealing with cases of atrocities under the S.C./S.T. Act.
According to Japhet, this is one of the most serious drawbacks in the implementation of the Act. “In the majority of districts in the country, there are no special courts as mandated by the provisions of this Act,” he said. Between 1997 and 2000, only four districts in Karnataka had the special courts compared with 12 in Andhra Pradesh, 10 in Gujarat, 35 in Madhya Pradesh, 17 in Rajasthan and 40 in Uttar Pradesh.
According to K.L. Chandrashekhar Aijoor, research assistant at the same centre where Japhet works, the number of special courts in Karnataka has only gone up to seven now, but considering that every district is supposed to have a special court, Karnataka should have 29 such courts. (These are usually sessions courts that are briefly designated as special courts to deal with cases under the Act.)
FAILURE OF THE ACT
One of the most glaring examples of the failure of the Act in Karnataka was the acquittal of all the accused in the March 2000 massacre of seven Dalits at Kambalapalli village in Kolar district, around 80 kilometres from Bangalore. The massacre took place after a skirmish between Vokkaligas and Dalits. The gruesome killings were the result of a cumulative build-up of tension between the Vokkaliga and the increasingly aware Dalit communities in the region.
The immediate provocation was an altercation between two Dalit youth and a Reddy (Vokkaliga) man over the use of a certain stretch of road. Following this a mob of Vokkaligas attacked a group of Dalits who had returned after filing a police complaint. The houses of a Dalit and his neighbour were burnt. Among the seven Dalits who died were a woman and her two sons and daughter.
According to media reports, the witnesses turned hostile when the case came up for hearing in the local court. All the accused were acquitted. The matter is waiting to be heard in the Karnataka High Court.
Such prolonged delay demonstrates that the twofold purpose of the Act – to prevent atrocities and to provide compensation and rehabilitation to victims after a speedy trial – has not been fulfilled.
More than 25 per cent of the population in Kolar is Dalit and the district has a history of caste violence. In the decades before the massacre, there was resentment over the establishment of a Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) chapter in the district. Part of the discord between upper and lower castes stems from the seemingly upward mobility of Dalits.
Karnataka has an active Dalit movement, which started in the 1970s. As its effects began to filter down, the consciousness among Dalits about their constitutional rights increased. This has led to a change in their attitude towards caste. The upper castes have resented this change. Even trivial things like the way a Dalit dressed annoyed upper-caste members. In Kambalapalli, for example, one of the victims used to tuck in his shirt.
A report on the Kambalapalli carnage published by the People’s Democratic Forum in April 2000 said: “The tucked-in shirt is like a red rag for caste Hindus, for it symbolised the growing arrogance of Dalits and their modernisation.”
While the conscious identity of Dalits has led to resentment from the upper castes in rural areas, even urban areas like Bangalore are not immune to caste discrimination. “Over the past two years, two Dalit students committed suicide in Bangalore – one was a student of the Indian Institute of Science, while the other was a student of the University of Agricultural Sciences. The prejudiced mindset of caste-Hindu society led to creating a situation where these students committed suicide,” said Lolaksha, a social activist who follows closely the instances of discrimination against Dalits in the State.
MANY HURDLES
By Aparna Alluri in Hyderabad
LALITHA (name changed on request), 25, is awaiting her court summons. A member of the women’s wing of the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), she was active in her local community until she became a victim herself.
As part of community initiatives, she often visited the local police station. When a new circle inspector was appointed in March 2008, she had a minor altercation with him. She says his immediate response was, “You are a Madiga and you are wearing sunglasses, driving a bike and walking around so confidently. Who do you think you are?”
“For nearly eight months, every time I met him, he repeated the same thing. He abused me by my caste name several times.” The verbal taunts soon escalated to sexual overtures. When she questioned him about complaints she had received against him, things became worse. “In November, I was arrested and detained for one night. He threatened me, shoved me against a wall and warned me against confronting him again. I was shifted to the women’s police station only at 1-30 a.m.,” she says.
Her case is pending with the State Human Rights Commission. She is yet to file an FIR against the officer for fear of further harassment. “I don’t know what else to do,” she says. “He expects me to cower in fear, but why should I?” she says. “I am educated, I know right from wrong and I know my rights. In what way am I lesser than he?”
Lalitha’s case is more the rule than the exception. Counter-cases have become an easy recourse to delaying and eventually denying justice to historically disadvantaged groups. “For every case filed by a Dalit there is a counter case against him/her by the accused,” says M. Chalapathi, High Court advocate and Dalit rights coordinator, Human Rights Law Network (HRLN).
“The police register the second complaint and arrest the Dalit victim, compelling him/her to withdraw the case. Or, they keep both cases pending and use the case as ammunition when the victim pressures them to act,” says Bojja Tarakam, eminent lawyer and Dalit rights activist.
This remains the situation, even after 12 of the State’s 23 districts have been identified as atrocity-prone by the government. Attack is the most common form of atrocity, accounting for 27 per cent of the crimes.
Of the State’s population of 7,62,10,007 (2004-05), the S.Cs constitute 1,23,39,496 and the S.Ts 50,24,104. Dalits belong mainly to two castes – Mala and Madiga – and are agricultural labourers. The land-owning, politically dominant groups are Reddys, Kammas, Rajus and Kapus. This social and economic polarisation has had significant political implications. The 1980s marked the advent of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the rise of the Dalit movement. N.T. Rama Rao’s rise to power is often seen as the political ascendancy of coastal Andhra’s rich Kamma farmers. The atrocities against Dalits in Karamchedu (1985), Neerukonda (1987) and Chundur (1991) were seen as manifestations of a conflict caused by the shift in political power at the top and the rising consciousness below.
More than two decades later, the State’s record in checking atrocities against Dalits remains poor. According to figures with the Department of Social Welfare, 4,157 cases were registered in 2008 under the S.C./S.T. Act. Of these, 1,783 cases were closed as false and 1,004 are pending completion of investigation. For the same period, out of 3,661 cases brought to court, only 128 resulted in convictions. Interestingly, only in eight cases appeals were filed on the acquittals.
As for visits by the Vigilance and Monitoring Committees prescribed under the Act, only 45 visits were recorded for 19 districts in 2008. Information was cited as unavailable for the remaining four districts.
Currently, there is a writ petition pending in the Andhra Pradesh High Court demanding the effective implementation of the S.C./S.T. Act, 1989, and Rules 1995.
The counter-affidavits filed by the police in response to the petition speak for themselves. Police records in the period from 1995 to 2006 show that 21,000 cases were registered under the Act. Of these, more than 14,000 are pending without a charge sheet being filed, even though the Act stipulates that investigation must be completed within 30 days of the FIR being filed. “This is a clear violation of Section 4 of the Act, which deals with dereliction of duty,” says Chalapathi.
The petition demands that criminal proceedings be initiated against those police officers who fail to discharge their duties as prescribed under the Act. “The Act insists on special courts and special public prosecutors to enable speedy trial. But cases have been pending for nearly 10 years in the investigation stage itself,” says Bojja Tarakam. “Yet not a single police officer has been prosecuted for negligence.”
He says one reason for such high pendency is the many attempts to quash cases by claiming that they are false. “When the High Court receives such a petition, it stays all further proceedings, including investigation, though the Supreme Court has directed the High Court not to interfere in investigations.”
However, the reasons for delay cited in the counter-affidavits are far more incredulous. The reasons include “for want of accused”, “for want of examination of witness”, “no post-mortem report”, “no FSL [forensic science laboratory] certificate”, even for cases pending since 1995. Even VIP duty is submitted as a reason for numerous investigations pending since 1996.
“Whose fault is that?” asks Chalapathi. “Is this not negligence of duty?”
The delay itself seems to have become the reason in many instances. “Case Diary not available and as such unable to furnish the exact reason for delay,” or “as the case was registered in 1998, reasons not known to present Investigating Officer,” reads one entry in the register. “Close to 105 reasons have been furnished and not one is legally substantial,” says Chalapathi.
“I have personally told police officers that they may be technically right in closing certain cases, but the matter doesn’t end there. If witnesses turn hostile, they need to ask why that has happened,” says A. Vidyasagar, former Commissioner of Social Welfare. He agrees that special courts do exist, but says “the progress they have made seems to suggest that cases under the S.C./S.T. Act are only one of the things they address rather than their priority”. He says a review at the Chief Minister’s level in 2008 led to a suggestion that a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) must be made to supervise the inquiries in every district. “The idea was accepted,” he says. “The only solution is continuous review.”
Trial is a far cry for many because registering a case is often a struggle by itself. Getting a case registered under the S.C./S.T. Act is a bigger hurdle. Whether the accused abused the victim by his caste name is often seen as the grounds for registering cases under the Act. However, the Act only stipulates that the victim must belong to the S.C./S.T. community and the accused to another community. If the victim or his/her family has a Christian name, or is known to go to church, they are told they cannot register the case under the Act. “This is sufficient to file a petition quashing the case as false. The court gives the victims 15 days to file an objection, failing which the case is closed. Given that most of these people are poor and uneducated, they may not respond in time,” says Chalapathi.
Curiously, caste certificates are often demanded not just to register a case but also for the investigation to proceed. In numerous cases, this was cited as the reason for the delay in the investigation.
The hurdles are many and victories have been few and far between. Even as hundreds wait for justice, police records and trials only present a part of the picture. “Untouchability is still rampant. Dalits are still not treated as humans. Where is the question of human rights?” asks Chalapathi.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20091204262400900.htm

Elephants don’t belong in zoos: Central Zoo Authority

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APCAN'T BE LOCKED UP: Wild elephant crossing a railway track along Deepor Beel, a wild life sanctuary on the outskirts of Gauhati. The Central Zoo Authority of India has ruled that all elephants in zoos must be relocated to sanctuaries or forests. File photo
As per an order from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) of India, “elephants have been banned from zoo collection throughout the country with immediate effect”. The order stipulates that all elephants kept at zoos should be immediately relocated to elephant camps and rehabilitation centres of the Forest Department or inside forest areas.
The order has been sent to all in charges of the zoos in the country and the Chief Wildlife Warden of the States. K.P. Ouseph, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden) of Kerala confirmed receiving the order from Rajesh Gopal, Member Secretary of CZA on Tuesday.
The order states that upkeep of large animals like elephants are not only costly but create problems at zoos. When elephants come into musth the problems get aggravated. Moreover the zoo environment confines the animal to a very small area. The order directs the zoo authorities to carry out the same in consultation with the respective Chief Wildlife Wardens.
Relocating the elephants from the Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur zoos will take time, it has been reliably understood. This because the controlling authority of these two zoos is the Department of Culture, but in all other States the zoos are under the control of the respective Forest Department.
So the Forest Department will have to first obtain the green signal from the Department of Culture for relocating the elephants. According to sources, the elephants at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo will be relocated to the Kappukad Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Neyyar and the elephants are Thrissur to Kodanad.
As per CZA estimates, there are about 140 elephants kept at zoos in various parts of the country. All of them will have to be relocated. Sources said that the order comes in the wake of complaints from animal rights activists about the plight of captive elephants both zoos and under private ownership.
The order however does not talk about captive elephants owned by private individuals. However, the move has been welcomed by animal rights activists.
Keywords: Central Zoo Authority, Forest Department, wildlife, captive elephants

News Scan 07-11-09

2009-11-09T10:56:00.002+05:30

Mining – India

1. The Revenge Of The Reddy Republic
2. It's all mine: Koda & Co made Rs 3.6 crore a day
3. Orissa to inspect iron ore mines for violations
4. Top leaders behind scam: BJP
5. Investors meet on Development of Mineral Resource
6. 'WCL has made our lives hell'
7. ONGC bags four national safety awards in oil mines category
8. State Govt remains silent spectator
9. Little hope for improvement of mine labourers' condition

Mining – International

10. 3 Colombians die in anti-personnel mine blasts
11. 4mn sq m of mined areas cleared in Wanni: Lankan PM
12. First Uranium streaming deal eases balance sheet
13. China’s Daye Nonferrous to Double Capacity, Invest in Mines
14. Southern Copper Says Water Disputes in Peru May Delay Mines
15. Innovative Technology needed in mining sector in SA

Other News

16. How India hopes to lead the world
17. One killed in clash between NREGA workers
18. THE HONEST LEFTIST
19. - K. Balagopal was the conscience of Andhra society
20. Gram Sabha Needs Orientation On Climate Change
21. Too little, too late?

Mining – India

CURRENT AFFAIRS up close

The Revenge Of The Reddy Republic

The mining baron-brothers flex their muscles in Bellary, forcing a red-faced BJP to its knees, reports SANJANA

Flying high Janardhan Reddy is piloting the revolt against CM Yeddyurappa
Photo: GAGANDEEP
BELLARY, A dusty town 270 km from Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru, has over the years transformed into a power centre of the rich and powerful. Famous for its iron ore mines and mining barons, a meeting called in the town may yet result in a change of guard in the state. On October 25, at a meeting called by Gali Janardhan Reddy, a mining baron and Karnataka’s Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure, mine owners rejected a decision taken by the chief minister of the state, BS Yeddyurappa. He had gone too far, they resolved. Within three days of that meeting, the Bharatiya Janata Party rushed its senior leader and in charge for Karnataka, Arun Jaitley, to the state. The BJP’s first ever government in Karnataka was in trouble 18 months after it took charge.
In an effort to raise money for the flood victims in the state, the chief minister decided to impose a cess of Rs 1,000 on every lorry transporting iron ore – a decision that was vociferously condemned by Janardhan Reddy and his brothers as the cess would adversely affect their mining empire. Unwilling to withdraw the cess (and bow down to the Reddys’ demands), Yeddyurappa pressed and obtained the required Cabinet approval. Hours after the cabinet decision, Janardhan Reddy and his brothers announced a decision of their own. Rallying all the mine owners of Bellary, they announced a Rs 500 crore housing project for the flood-hit victims in north Karnataka – independent of the government’s own rehabilitation plans for the flood affected. Two days later, as the crises worsened, the Reddys rounded up BJP legislators close to them and shifted them to posh resorts in Hyderabad and Goa – out of the Chief Minister’s and Jaitley’s reach. Even as discussions to resolve the crisis continue with the BJP’s central leadership in New Delhi, the question being asked is who are the Reddy brothers? And how did Janardhan Reddy come to occupy such a central position in the state’s politics?
There are a lot of stories one can tell about 42-year-old Gali Janardhan Reddy and his family. A man who owed debtors Rs 200 crore when his finance company collapsed in 1998. Ten years later, in 2008, the same man admitted that he and his wife alone have assets worth Rs 115 crore; with business turnovers of over Rs 2,000 crore. At last count, he and his brothers owned four helicopters besides an undisclosed number of aeroplanes. A number of luxury cars line the Reddy homes. In May 2009, the family spent an estimated Rs 20 crore on a wedding. The helicopters owned by the family ferried over 10,000 guests to the wedding even as 500 airconditioners helped them forget outside temperatures of 42 degree Celsius. A month later, the brothers donated a Rs 42 crore diamond-studded crown to a temple deity.

Power pack Janaradhan and Karunakar greet their brother Somashekhar

Photo: KPN
But it would be limiting to sketch Janardhan as a protagonist in a rags-to-riches story. If the last week alone is any indication, Janardhan Reddy has emerged to be a shrewd political strategist who is well on his way to establishing a Reddy Republic.
The second of three brothers, Janardhan Reddy is a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council – a position he has held since June 2006. His eldest brother Karunakar Reddy and the younger one Somashekhar are both members of the Legislative Assembly. B Sriramulu, another legislator from the area is very close to the family and is considered to be a Reddy brother. Of the four Reddy brothers then, three hold key portfolios in the current Yeddyurappa government while the fourth, Somashekhar is the chairman of a powerful statewide milk federation. Add to the family’s kitty, a Member of Parliament (Sriramulu’s sister J Shantha was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bellary), and two other members of Legislative Assembly. Impressive political growth for a family that first shot into the limelight for its trysts with senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj during her election campaign against Sonia Gandhi in Bellary in 1999. Within the family, there is easy acknowledgement of the fact that two people responsible for this growth are Janardhan and Sriramulu.
REDDY MOUNTED A REVOLT AGAINST THE CM, LEADING THE MINING LOBBY TO REJECT THE NEW CESS ON TRANSPORTATION OF IRON ORE
As a political strategist, there is no doubting Janardhan’s abilities. Months after the BJP formed its first government in the South with the support of independent legislators, the party launched Operation Lotus to wean away legislators from other political parties into the BJP. The legislators were offered cash incentives, offers of ministerial berths and key positions in various government corporations. In a conversation with TEHELKA at the time, Janardhan did not dispute the allegation that the Reddy brothers were behind Operation Lotus – “We asked them and they answered positively. And God had has given us enough. We are only sharing what we have,” said Janardhan. Rumours at the time pegged the amount paid to legislators who walked over to the BJP at a few crore rupees each. Today as internal power struggles grip the party, three of the eight entrants under the BJP’s Operation Lotus have thrown their lot with the Reddy brothers. An investment that has paid off at the time of crisis.
It isn’t the idea of entrenched political influence in Karnataka alone that strengthens the idea of a Reddy fiefdom. It also emerges from the casual disregard the Reddys have displayed for nationally established boundaries between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Anantapur, the droughtprone Andhra Pradesh district that borders the Reddys’ home district of Bellary in Karnataka is stamped heavily by the Reddys’ presence. Their mining corporation, Obalapuram Mining Company (OMC) holds iron ore mining leases in Anantapur. In the past two weeks alone, the Divisional Forest Officer in Anantapur has issued five notices to the Reddy brothers for illegally mining across the border in Karnataka despite holding leases in Andhra Pradesh. The notices talk in detail of how the Reddys shifted the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh state border by destroying the boundary markers — an observation upheld by the Karnataka and Andhra High Courts as well. In the latest notice issued on November 1 the liabilities are clearly mentioned. If convicted, Janardhan Reddy alone is liable to pay a penalty of Rs 1,000 crore for mining without a valid permit and an imprisonment term of six months. The Reddys have never responded to any of the notices sent to them on the issue.
IN 2006 REDDY DECLARED BELLARY OUT OF BOUNDS TO THE THEN CHIEF MINISTER. ‘BELLARY BELONGS TO US,’ IS HIS PROCLAMATION IN 2009
AN AIDE of the family, Kanti Reddy, told TEHELKA that the courts should consider the concern the brothers have for the people of Anantapur before indicting them for illegal activities. The brothers have provided employment to thousands of families there even as they spend all their money and energy for the upliftment of people in Karnataka, he said. It seems a simple logic – how do boundaries drawn years ago matter if there was no injustice done to people across them? Ask Janardhan about the illegality of mining across states, or of encroaching on someone else’s property and the response is a clipped no. It is a matter for the courts, says Janardhan. The only other comment he will offer is that the Reddys have been unfairly targeted by people blinded by jealousy.
Besides mining corporations, the Reddys also own the Rs 25,000 crore Brahmani Steel plant in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Amidst much controversy, late chief minister YS Rajashekhar Reddy had alloted 10,675 acres to the Reddy brothers to set up the steel corporation apart from the 3,500 acres for building a second airport in the district.
Perhaps what clinches the idea of a Reddy Republic are the stories about Janardhan’s public declarations on Bellary. A month after he was elected a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council he declared the district out of bounds for the then chief minister. Three years later in 2009, the council heard another declaration – Bellary belongs to us.
The ongoing discussions in Delhi between the Reddy brothers and the central BJP leadership then has many implications – it will determine the price a state has to pay for its Cabinet deciding to impose cess in Bellary without the Reddys’ consent.
WRITER’S EMAIL
sanjana@tehelka.com

From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 6, Issue 45, Dated November 14, 2009

http://www.tehelka.com/story_main43.asp?filename=Ne141109the_revenge.asp

It's all mine: Koda & Co made Rs 3.6 crore a day

SONALI DAS AND SACHIN PARASHAR , TOI Crest 7 November 2009, 11:33am IST
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An unlikely threesome has spawned one of India's biggest political scams - a window grille-fixer-turned-CM and his two buddies, one who started

off selling milk door-to-door and the other selling chewing tobacco. TOI-Crest brings you the riveting story of how a Rs 4,000-crore empire was built on loot from Jharkhand's ore-rich mines in just three years....

If you divide the money allegedly made by Jharkhand leader Madhu Koda (39) and his two buddies, Binod Sinha (39) and Sanjay Choudhary (41) by the number of days Koda was in office as chief minister and as minister of mines in the BJP-led Arjun Munda government, it comes to a jaw-dropping Rs 3.6 crore a day. And this isn't a figure being trotted out by Koda's rivals. This is the official estimate of probe agencies on the basis of the riches they have been able to uncover so far to draw the contours of a massive political scam.

In a land where public money is looted routinely by politicians and swindles are a dime a dozen, the Madhu Koda drama unfolding in one of India's most backward, even if mineral-rich, states should not have generated more than cursory interest. However, the sheer scale of it all has left even the most cynical gaping. Five money-counting machines found in Koda's house worked at a breathless pace to sift through bundles of currency notes with which the gang of three bought hotels in Thailand, mines in Liberia, companies in Dubai, and much else in Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia.

In all, the scam is said to be worth Rs 4,000 crore. In a stunning disclosure, a senior income-tax official told Crest that over Rs 1,450 crore was sent out to Dubai through hawala (the earlier figure was placed at Rs 500-600 crore). When asked about this, CBI director (investigations) Ujjwal Chaudhary didn't deny the amount: "It does seem to be around that figure. But a number of things have to be verified. We still have to question a number of people. Some are cooperating but others are not."

Within days of taking office as CM in September 2006, Koda renegotiated and signed mining MoUs worth Rs 1,98, 362 crore (or nearly two lakh crore rupees!) with as many as 44 firms. Soon, his associates were buying up real estate and property in Jharkhand, Delhi and abroad, transferring hundreds of crores overseas by hawala, spawning as many as 25 companies in less than two years to give a new meaning to "India Shining!" and create an empire that could match some of India's biggest business houses.

There are some who still regard Koda & Co as "poor simple boys" who went astray after learning the ropes from political wheeler-dealers of parties like the BJP, the RJD and the JMM with whom Koda had cohabited at some time or the other. The three were - so to say - boys in a candy shop, stuffing their mouths in fear of the goodies suddenly disappearing. "Koda is basically a simple rustic gone awry," says Saryu Rai, the BJP's "Chanakya" in Jharkhand, at whose feet Koda is said to have learnt the art and craft of politics.

This somewhat sympathetic view doesn't quite do justice to Koda's cunning, his extreme care while signing on files, his "inclusive" political style (like giving video cameras to all ruling party MLAs and cash "rewards" of Rs 20,000-40 ,000 to them every month), his exclusive lifestyle (wearing designer jeans, shopping in Gurgaon malls, holidaying in Thailand), or the sheer sophistication of his entire operation that involved not just his cronies, Sinha and Chaudhary , but hawala operators in Mumbai, fixers in Thailand, con men in Liberia and financiers in Dubai, and possibly political gurus from other parties.

The Koda saga has its origins in a very unlikely setting - a small village, Patahatu, tucked away in the extreme southern corner of Jharkhand where mineral riches abound, as do pervasive ignorance and extreme poverty. Koda's father, Rasik, was a labourer in Gua, attached to his one-acre land and the local brew haria. He wanted son Madhu to become a daroga (police sub-inspector), but the son had other ideas. He was interested in politics, studied in Zila School, Chaibasa, did his graduation by correspondence, joined the RSS and then the All Jharkhand Students Union, worked his way up under the kind gaze of BJP stalwart Babulal Marandi, won two elections (one even after the BJP denied him a ticket) to emerge as destiny's own political child of Jharkhand.

With the help of three other independents - Kamlesh Singh, Enos Ekka and Harinarayan Rai - he made and broke governments. In 2000, he won the Jaganathpur assembly seat and joined the Marandi government as panchayati raj minister. In 2005, he won the same seat as an independent and when the BJP fell short of a majority, he supported the Arjun Munda government for a price - the mines portfolio. There he found his real calling. Coming from the ore-rich region, Koda knew the business inside out. It's said he sometimes challenged the district mines officers on the size of reserves in each mine.

In September 2006, Koda and the three independents withdrew support from Arjun Munda to topple his government . And then before you could spell "political uncertainty", Madhu Koda had emerged as a consensus candidate to head the next government with the help of the Congress, the JMM, the RJD, the Forward Bloc and another tiny group. All this happened within days, showing that even while he was Munda's mines minister, Koda was playing footsie with all others - the trademark of his "inclusive" political style that kept tongues sealed while he allegedly made money hand over fist.

Koda's friendship with Binod Sinha and Sanjay Chaudhary also blossomed around this time. Sinha was a dudhwalla , selling milk door to door in Chaibasa. And Chaudhary sold chewing tobacco (khaini). Both, of course, grew out of their humble origins to write remarkable rags-toriches stories by diversifying into tractors (Sinha is involved in a Rs 3 crore tractors scam too), sewing machines, cement, and goods to below-poverty-line families. In Koda's company, they swelled to become jet-setting magnates , fixing mining deals, buying and selling property, and running hotels.

In fact, so thick were the three that Ranchi buzzed with chatter about their friendship. It was said that after the last official left chief minister Koda's residence at night, Sinha and Chaudhary would drop by and stay well after midnight. The "unholy nexus" grew was raised in the assembly in 2007. Koda didn't bat an eyelid, admitting, "Yes, they are my friends." It's a friendship he doesn't disown even now. From Ranchi's Apollo hospital, where Koda has been admitted, he told Crest: "I was friends with Sinha and Chaudhary and have been to foreign countries with them, but I don't know about their investments or money laundering." The duo are now absconding.

The CBI, of course, doesn't believe him. Nor do people like Vinod Singh, the CPI(ML) MLA, who have seen Koda more closely. "His rise both in politics and in terms of financial gains has been phenomenal," he said. "And he didn't have to struggle much to amass this huge wealth after he was shown the way by his political gurus in the BJP, the JMM and the RJD."

Still, Koda's money-grubbing ways didn't raise any special outrage in Jharkhand, partly because of the generosity with which he shared the spoils, and partly because of his understated personality, which only once in a while erupted in outrageous flamboyance. Like when he went down on his knees to get back his childhood flame and wife, Gita, in 2006 after she had eloped with an engineer four months after their marriage in January 2004. Gita melted, Ranchi cheered and somewhere Koda got humanized as a loving, even if somewhat shady, young man.

Things might have carried on swimmingly well for Koda & Co but for a PIL that triggered the larger investigation now on.

Koda's father, Rasik, however, still maintains that his boy is a "simple man" like him and he will eventually emerge clean. Journalists who covered Madhu's wedding recall Rasik selling haria to the guests. When asked why he was charging money from wedding guests, he said, "Well, it's mine. This haria has made Madhu a minister. It has wonderful qualities." Recent pictures show Rasik in a short dhoti carrying twigs on his head, not quite the person who would realize that his brew alone wouldn't give son Madhu the requisite high.

It might, though, if it came wrapped in wads of notes.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Its-all-mine-Koda-Co-made-Rs-36-crore-a-day-/articleshow/5206140.cms

Orissa to inspect iron ore mines for violations

Sat Nov 7, 2009 11:30am IST

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By Jatindra Dash
BHUBANESWAR (Reuters) - The Orissa government will inspect several iron ore mines, a government official said, in a crackdown on firms involved in illegal mining or violating environment rules.
Since July, the government has inspected seven mines and registered criminal cases against eight mine operators and officials of the forest and mine department, Anup Kumar Patnaik, director of the state vigilance department told Reuters.
"In a week or so we will be able to lodge some more criminal cases. Further raids can also take place," Patnaik said.
He said some mine operators were digging up ores and were transporting them without having necessary clearances, and some officials were abetting them.
Orissa produced about 70 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008/09 out of India's total production of 222 million tonnes, data from Federation of Indian Mineral Industries shows.
Iron ore exporters in Orissa said the raids had left mine owners cautious and many had scaled down operations with the result, supplies from the region had shrunk just when China's demand was picking up.
Patnaik said the mines had not been asked to shut production.
Editing by Sanjeev Miglani;ruchira.singh@thomsonreuters.com

http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-43766820091107

Top leaders behind scam: BJP

Express News Service
First Published : 07 Nov 2009 04:10:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Nov 2009 10:12:06 AM IST

BHUBANESWAR: The BJP’s fact-finding team on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore mining scam and cancellation of MoU signed with Vedanta Resources for establishment of a university near Puri.
Led by Rajya Sabha member Balbir Punj, the team visited about half a dozen mines in Keonjhar district on Thursday and found rampant illegal mining even after the exposure of the scam.
``As soon as the team arrives at a mine, several persons working there run away,’’ Punj told mediapersons here. Trucks, dumpers and other machineries lying unused near different mines only point to the fact that mining was stopped because of the team’s visit. The members, Punj said, found conclusive evidence of illegal mining and excavation from forest areas. Describing the ongoing Vigilance probe as an eyewash, the team maintained that a scam of such a magnitude could not have continued for so many years without the protection and cooperation of top persons in the Government.
Chandan Mitra, former Rajya Sabha member, was critical of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. ``All roads of corruption lead towards Naveen Nivas’’, he quipped. The illegal mining is handled by higherups in the Government and is continuing in a brazen manner even after the scam was exposed by the BJP in the Assembly, he said.
Mitra said that corporate houses, such as Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited, Essels Mining, Rungtas and several other companies are involved in large-scale illegal mining and transportation of minerals from Orissa. On Vedanta university, Punj alleged that the State Government has given away prime agricultural land for it. There is no merit in handing over fertile land to industrial houses. It is an excuse to hand over land to land sharks for real estate business.
The land, the team charged, has been given to Vedanta at a throwaway price of Rs 2 lakh per acre when the price in the area is Rs 16 lakh per acre. On the farmers’ suicide, he said the party will raise the issue in Parliament. The team will submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding Central intervention. Leader of BJP Legislature Party (BJPLP) K V Singhdeo alleged that mineral rich land has also been given for the proposed university. Only the Atomic Energy department can decide how the land can be utilised, he said.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Top+leaders+behind+scam:+BJP&artid=ukL5JRMgh0o=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=

Investors meet on Development of Mineral Resource
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Trishnali Neog 06 November, 2009 11:59:00
To encourage investment in exploration and exploitation of minerals for the development of mineral based industry in the North Eastern States an "Investors Meet and Conference on Development of Mineral Resource and Mineral Based Industry in North East Region" has been organized on November 6-7 at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati.The Investors Meet and Conferance is being organized by Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region(DONER) in association with Governments of North Eastern States and Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) and Federation of Indian Mineral Industry.
In the inaugural session, Mr Ravi Capoor, Commissioner and Secretary Geology and Mining Government of Assam delivered the welcome address.Mrs Santha Sheela Nair, Secretary Ministry of Mines Government of India lightend the lamp.Shri Bijoy Krishna Handique, Hon'ble Minister of Mines and DONER, Government of India was the Chief Guest of the Meeting and Shri Tarun Gogoi ,Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam was the Guest of Honour.The meet is being attended by the participants from Government of India, North Eastern Council, Governments of NER States and Sikkim and invitees from the Mineral Industry, Financial Institutions, Private entrepreneurs and NGOs. This important meet has provided an opprtunity to the Government of North Eastern Sates to highlight the available mineral resources, the opportunities, the infrastructure available and fiscal incentives offered for setting up mineral based industry and prospective investors.

http://www.assamtimes.org/hot-news/3550.html

'WCL has made our lives hell'

TNN 7 November 2009, 05:39am IST
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NAGPUR: Even as Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) helps the nation by extracting huge quantities of coal, villagers near Wani perceive the company

as their enemy number one, with their quality of their life deteriorating sharply ever since WCL began mining in the area.

Residents of Aheri, Besa Borgaon, Nilapur, Bramni, Kolra, Pimpri and Borgaon villages, which lie near the mines coming under the Wani North division of WCL say that mining activities have affected their health, income and peace of mind.

Vinayak Hepat of Besa said that since the mining activities started the water level had gone down sharply in the area creating a severe drinking water scarcity. "The WCL staff lives in their townships and is least bothered about us. They won't care even if we die of thirst," he said.

If Hepat is angry with WCL due to scarcity of water, Ajay Dethe, whose farm is located near Bhalar township of WCL, is facing problems due to excess water. "WCL has been dumping earth in the nullah adjoining my farm since 2001. Now it is totally blocked and every monsoon my field becomes flooded like a swamp, I cannot sow any crop. I have been writing letters to everyone, but in vain."

Mahim Sheikh of Wani, who regularly comes to these villages for business, said that the sound of blasting is so loud that it is affecting the hearing of most villagers. "I challenge any city slicker to stay in these villages for just one day. When they undertake blasting, the earth shakes with such an intensity that you feel that the day of deliverance has arrived."

Yavatmal Zilla Parishad member Vijay Pidurkar said that while WCL wanted the villagers' lands for mining, it was always reluctant to help them. He charged that WCL's social welfare activities are a sham and this is causing the strong discontent among residents of the area. "When WCL acquired land belonging to Borgaon residents it was supposed to appoint a nodal officer so that the landless labourers of these villages could form a cooperative society, which would then bid for WCL works up to Rs 4 crore. However, ten years have passed but WCL has not appointed the officer. The labourers of Borgaon are illiterate and hence the cooperative society is in cold storage. WCL has done this to protect its contractors, who continue to get lucrative contracts," he says.

Pidurkar also points out, "WCL officers are well aware that transportation of coal by truck to Wani town is badly affecting the crops in the region. However, they are doing nothing to develop the railway line to Wani North area, which was planned way back in 1984. They have also ignored recommendations of NEERI to develop a rope way."

Further slamming WCL, Pidurkar said that the mining company was reluctant to pay compensation to farmers whose crops have been damaged due to coal dust. "In 2004, we had launched an agitation to demand compensation for 239 farmers in Wani North area. However, five years later the WCL board has sanctioned just Rs 80 lakh as community development fund for five affected villages. Where does the question of community development arise? We are demanding compensation for our crops."

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/WCL-has-made-our-lives-hell/articleshow/5205504.cms

ONGC bags four national safety awards in oil mines category

Saturday, 07 Nov 2009
ONGC has bagged four National Safety Awards in Oil Mines Category for year 2007. This is fourth consecutive years that ONGC has bagged these awards, instituted by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Gov of India to motivate, appreciate and recognize the extraordinary performance in the area of mines safety. These awards were given away by the vice president of India in New Delhi on October 23rd 2009. These awards are based on Longest Accident Free Period and Lowest Injury Frequency Rate and were judged by jury of Director General of Mines Safety, Management Representatives and Trade Union representatives.

Mr M Hamid Ansari Hon'ble vice president of India conferring Winners Award to Mr Anil Johari executive director asset manager of ONGC, Ahmedabad Asset on October 23rd 2009. These awards are based on longest accident free period and lowest injury frequency rate and were judged by a jury comprising of Director General of Mines Safety Management Representatives and Trade Union representatives. The installations of ONGC in Assam, Tripura, Gujarat, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh secured the awards under various categories.

http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/11/07/MTE5MjQ0/ONGC_bags_four_national_safety_awards_in_oil_mines_category.html

State Govt remains silent spectator

NM Satheesh
First Published : 07 Nov 2009 04:52:02 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Even as illegal mining by the Obulapuram Mining Company is kicking up clouds of controversy in two States, the AP Government has chosen, by and large, to remain a silent spectator.
Its role has been confined to merely ``reviewing the situation’’ and while it has directed the officials to ``act’’, in the absence of specific instructions the officials of the department concerned have been able to do nothing beyond whistling in the dark.
The irregularities by OMC, headed by G Janardhan Reddy, tourism minister in the Karnataka government, have continued for the last one month, despite various political parties urging the State to act against the company.
The Telugu Desam Party has submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister and the Mining department secretary in this regard.
Meanwhile, Divisional Forest Officer of Ananthapur Kallol Biswas, who issued five notices to the company, was called by forest department higher-ups to the capital. They are reportedly verifying the notices given by him, and their ``context’’ and ``contents’’ -- an exercise seemingly leading nowhere.
A review meeting held by Chief Secretary P Ramakanth Reddy recently directed the forest department to take ``action’’.
However, till Friday, no specific action to be taken either by the mines department or the forest department was proposed by the government.
OMC is carrying on mining activities in 140 hectares in the D Hirehall mandal of Ananthapur district, and its rival, the Bellary Mining Company, has charged it with encroachment.
The case is being heard in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Empowered Committee to look into the issue and make suitable recommendations.
From then onward, the State Government has taken little interest in the matter.
However, a survey was conducted by the revenue, forest, mines and Survey of Land Records departments in May this year and a report was submitted to the government. It said it was the Bellary Mining Company which had encroached on the OMC.
The issue took a weird turn last month when DFO Kallol Biswas served notice on OMC alleging that it had encroached on the BMC area -- a contention contrary to the findings of the May report.
This created a situation in which the government seemed to be questioning the credibility of its own report.
Meanwhile, an official of the mining department stated that only an ``impartial’’ survey could resolve the dispute.
But for this again, the Revenue, Forest, Mining and Survey of Land Records departments have to take up a joint survey. And the order has to come from the chief minister.
So far, Rosaiah has not ordered any resurvey.
All of which appears to suggest that the government is allowing the OMC to carry on unhindered in its activities for now.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=State+Govt+remains+silent+spectator&artid=RBTkoYG3y9I=&SectionID=e7uPP4|pSiw=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EH8HilNJ2uYAot5nzqumeA==&SEO=

Little hope for improvement of mine labourers' condition

Ajay Parmar, TNN 7 November 2009, 06:53am IST
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JODHPUR: Thanaram is aware of his fate but it is his compulsion that keeps him on this path, which is nothing less than a disastrous end. He has

been losing his health and now after spending 18 years in the sandstone quarries of Jodhpur, this 35-year-old man is just a frail structure of bones looking much older than his age. This is not the only case.

All those working as mine labourers have the same story to tell but have no hope for escape as they know that they are slowly moving towards an untimely death, courtesy silicosis or silicotuberculosis, the incurable disease that affects these workers.

According to an estimate, there are about 28 lakh workers in the mines across the state who are in the same situation as Thanaram, inching towards death. Unfortunately, there is no record of who have already died, as government doesn't have any record of these labourers, which from no angle, appears to be compassionate about the distraught lot. This is despite the fact that the industry gives an annual revenue running into millions of rupees.

According to Rana Sengupta, head of the Mine Labour Protection Campaign, an organisation fighting for the rights of these labourers, "Unfortunately neither the mine owners nor the state government is concerned about this pitiable state of the labourers, who have accepted it as their destiny."

There is nothing by which they can claim compensation for the physical harm. Neither for those who have died due to the silicosis nor for those who have fallen victims and are finding it difficult to continue working. But they are left with no choice but to continue, rues Sengupta.

But Gujarat brings a ray of hope, where recently about 100 labourers of a glass unit were given compensation after the court's intervention. It also directed the government to consider those affected with the disease at par regardless of the amount of damage to their health.

Jagdish Patel, coordinator of the Asian Network of Rights of Occupational Accident Victims, said 15 cases of the stone-crushing workers are pending in the high court in Gujarat. "We hope we will be able to get justice for all these workers who are exposed to this deadly disease," said Patel.

He said, "We had to fight a long battle to get the disease recognised as Silcosis, which at least is not the case with Rajasthan, where the doctors are declaring the disease to be silicosis."

Sengupta expresses hope that this decision of the Gujarat court will work as a precedent for the mine workers of Rajasthan by resorting to the Worksmen Compensation Act (1923), as the mining does come into the purview of the ESI.

He laments that the Central labour department is supposed to safeguard the interest of these workers by keeping a record of all the workers but according to the department sources, they do not have the details of the mine leases, which is interestingly the subject of the state government. So, a total lack of coordination and a habit of trading responsibilities ultimately gives a sense of escapism to the mine owners and is disheartening for the poor labourers.

In the absence of a record, it is difficult for the labourers to prove which owner they have worked for. But according to Sengupta, here the occupational history can be a significant tool for the court, which can, in absence of a consolidated and accountable mechanism, can fix the responsibility of government for both giving the compensation to the victims of the disease and ensuring that mine owners adopt adequate measures in their mine to reduce the possibility of the labourers catching this deadly disease.

A ray of hope has also come from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has also taken a note of this grave picture of silicosis and has recently constituted a national task force. The force will keep a watch on industries of such hazardous nature comprising all the states in pursuance of the recommendations drawn following a meeting with the ministry of labour, health, industries and others.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Little-hope-for-improvement-of-mine-labourers-condition/articleshow/5204843.cms

Mining – International

3 Colombians die in anti-personnel mine blasts

(AP) – 9 hours ago
BOGOTA — Colombian officials say three adults have been killed and two children wounded in two related anti-personnel mine blasts in the country's northwest.
The top security official in the town of Dabeiba, Wesly Uran, says two brothers aged 9 and 10 were wounded Thursday night when they set off a mine. The boys' father, mother and uncle died in a second blast as they went to aid the youngsters.
Uran says the mines were on a forest path a three-hour walk from the town center, apparently placed by leftist rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Colombia's government says land mines killed 88 people and wounded 403 in the first nine months of this year.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7Ux9zv9Tdkij7LkMO0pTZv6ZiFgD9BQB95G2

Home » South Asia

4mn sq m of mined areas cleared in Wanni: Lankan PM
Updated on Saturday, November 07, 2009, 14:37 ISTTags:Lankan PM, mined areas, Wanni

Colombo: Sri Lankan security forces have managed to clear LTTE planted land-mines in an area of four million square metres in the Wanni, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake has said.

Wickremanayake, who was speaking yesterday on a motion for extension of the Emergency by another month in Parliament said, "it was estimated that about 1.5 million "death traps" including land-mines had been buried in the Northern Province".

The Premier said it was estimated that these death traps had been laid in an area of 500 square kilometres in Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.

He observed that there were certain elements who are attempting to "demoralise us when we stood as a sovereign nation", the state owned Daily News reported.

"Those elements who attempted to paralyse us in the economic, social and political aspects or at least to tarnish the image of the country which seemed to have intensified presently."

The Prime Minister said the world seemed to have divided into two camps - "one that respected the sovereignty of a nation and the other that attempted to be puritans by violating human rights

of other nations", the Newspaper reported.

Bureau Report

http://www.zeenews.com/news576911.html

First Uranium streaming deal eases balance sheet

Posted: November 06, 2009, 3:15 PM by Peter Koven
Uranium, Mining, gold, Gold Wheaton, First Uranium
Back in August, analyst Edward Sterck of BMO Capital Markets raised concerns about a possible funding gap at First Uranium Corp. He now believes the company is in much better shape after it announced a US$50-million gold stream transaction on Friday with Gold Wheaton Gold Corp.
Under the terms of the deal, First Uranium gets the cash and Gold Wheaton gets to buy 7% of the gold production from Ezulwini mine in South Africa at a discounted price (most likely US$400 an ounce).
The US$50-million in cash, along with a US$20-million credit facility from South African miner Simmer & Jack Mines Ltd., gives First Uranium US$70-million of liquidity to play with. Mr. Sterck wrote in a note that the money should help First Uranium close the US$60-million funding gap he calculated for it in fiscal 2010.
He is already looking ahead to fiscal 2011, when he thinks the company may need more money.
"On current forecasts, BMO Research anticipates that First Uranium may need to raise an additional US$70-million in fiscal 2011 for development activities; however, recent news of the regulatory authorities revoking the licence for the [Mine Waste Solutions] tailings facility could negatively impact future production," he wrote.
Mr. Sterck called the deal with Gold Wheaton "reasonably priced" for both parties. He maintained an "underperform" rating on First Uranium's shares due to its "ongoing failure to deliver to expectations." His price target is $3.00 a share, or 0.7 times his net present value estimate. He also made slight reductions to his earnings targets to account for the gold deliveries to Gold Wheaton.
Peter Koven

Read more: http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/tradingdesk/archive/2009/11/06/first-uranium-streaming-deal-eases-balance-sheet.aspx#ixzz0WAOf1lEm
The New Financial Post Stock Market Challenge starts in October. You could WIN your share of $60,000 in prizing. Register NOW

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/tradingdesk/archive/2009/11/06/first-uranium-streaming-deal-eases-balance-sheet.aspx

China’s Daye Nonferrous to Double Capacity, Invest in Mines

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By Bloomberg News
Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- China’s Daye Nonferrous Metals Co., which is seeking a domestic initial public offering as early as next year, is aiming to double its copper output from about 250,000 metric tons by 2015, a company executive said.
The Huangshi, Hubei province-based company is also looking to invest in copper mines in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan so as to diversify its sources of raw materials, Zhang Xupeng, deputy director of the investment department, said in an interview today.
Daye Nonferrous is China’s fifth-largest copper smelter based on last year’s output, according to Bloomberg data.
-- Xiao Yu. Editor: Richard Dobson
To contact the Bloomberg News staff on this story: Yu Xiao in Beijing atyxiao@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: November 7, 2009 01:17 EST

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=abZoHn4r.p3Q

Southern Copper Says Water Disputes in Peru May Delay Mines
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By Alex Emery
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Mine projects in Peru will continue to face delays because of disputes over water until a new law takes effect that gives companies more say in how the resource is managed, Southern Copper Corp.Legal Manager Guido Bocchio said.
The new law approved in March hasn’t been implemented yet because farm groups are seeking greater influence over regional water councils, Bocchio said Nov. 4 in an interview at Southern’s offices in Lima. The law may take effect in January, he said.
Companies such as Southern, Anglo American Plc and Cia. De Minas Buenaventura SA face opposition from farm groups worried that new copper mines will take up water needed for agriculture. Peru is the world’s largest silver producer, third largest in copper, zinc and tin, and ranked fifth in gold.
“Peru’s mining boom has had a setback in terms of legislation,” he said. “This uncertainty hurts business.”
Villagers in September passed a referendum opposing Phoenix-based Southern Copper’s $934 million Tia Maria project, which is scheduled to produce 120,000 tons of copper a year by mid-2011. London-based Anglo American has been unable to develop its $3 billion Quellaveco project since 1992 because of disputes over water rights with local communities.
To contact the reporters on this story: Alex Emery in Lima ataemery1@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: November 6, 2009 10:01 EST

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aTH2bI.X9UUA

Innovative Technology needed in mining sector in SA

Saturday, 07 Nov 2009
According to Mr Derek Hanekom Science and Technology Deputy Minister more imaginative and innovative technology is key to the long-term profitability and sustainability of the mining industry.

He said that "While pick axes and spades still occupy an honored position in mining, we now look to more innovative technologies to provide the mechanisms that will reveal, unearth and retrieve the riches in the ground beneath our feet."

Mr Hanekom said to a very large extent, the mining sector has driven the technological development of South Africa over the last century, with advances achieved mostly through government and industry supported research program.

Mr Hanekom said most of these research facilities have closed over the past 30 years as have many similar research facilities around the world. As a result, the current South African expenditure on research and development in the mining sector is minimal.

He said that the department's Ten Year Innovation Plan sees the increase of human capital as a key action and driver in a planned transition from a resource based economy to a knowledge based economy.

He added that "Technology tells us that there are vast untapped resources in our country. Common sense tells us to do whatever it takes to tap these resources. Pragmatism tells us to respond to these challenges by investing in technological solutions and human capital development. That is what we are doing."

The Centre for Mining Innovation at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research is currently looking at geophysical techniques that can provide valuable geological and rock engineering information ahead of mining, making mining operations more cost-effective and safe.

Part of this research includes borehole radar systems for South African gold and platinum mines. Other projects aim to facilitate data acquisition and underground control through the introduction of standards, including wireless sensor networks, to quantify the operations and the environment in which people are working in.

(Sourced from news.mining.com)

http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/11/07/MTE5MzUz/Innovative_Technology_needed_in_mining_sector_in_SA.html

Other News

How India hopes to lead the world

Policymakers are working on energy norms and a range of incentives for 714 of India’s most energy-intensive installations across nine sectors

amar Halarnkar

New Delhi: As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talked with the European Union (EU) officials on Friday in the Capital to seek common ground on climate change, India is going ahead with its own plans to pare domestic emissions, incentivize companies to save energy and lead the way for the world.
Positive note: Minister of state for environment Jairam Ramesh. Harikrishna Katragadda / Mint
“Let us take on aggressive commitments domestically,” environment minister Jairam Ramesh told the Hindustan Times. “Let us negotiate from a position of strength because we have a good story to tell the world.”
Some strands of the story are being woven together by a raft of experts and agencies trying to implement ambitious and potentially profitable plans to keep India’s carbon emissions under check, independent of international commitments.
Policymakers are working on energy norms and a range of incentives for 714 of India’s most energy-intensive installations across nine sectors.
“Our goal is to ensure each tonne of energy, cement, steel uses less energy than the previous tonne,” said Ajay Mathur, director general of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and an Indian climate negotiator.
The aim is to make energy efficiency profitable.
“We’ll have a national registry for energy-efficiency certificates, which will have a one-year tenure,” said Pramod Deo, chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. “They will work like shares, or carbon credits. They should be available from April 2010.”
Only after amendments to the Energy Conservation Act are passed by Parliament will it be clear if these carbon credits will be traded at a physical exchange or online.
Given the political heat over perceived kowtowing to the West, these efficiency measures will likely not be offered for international verification.
Singh, reiterating that India was not yet ready to quantify targets, spoke of its efforts, which stretch beyond energy efficiency to growing more forests as carbon sinks. “We have a very ambitious national plan to combat climate change,” he said after the 10th India-EU summit in New Delhi.
“We have acknowledged there are ambitious plans in India,” said Swedish Prime Minister Fredrick Reinfeldt. “But we need action from everyone.” Sweden now holds the rotating EU presidency.
In many sectors such as steel and power—where emissions per unit are reducing—India already has some of the world’s most efficient units.
“What’s interesting is how quickly these are copied,” said Mathur, whose bureau has successfully implemented energy ratings for refrigerators and air conditioners, first voluntary, then mandatory. For instance, the summer of 2009 saw a five-week waiting period for five-star ACs, the rating for most energy-efficient units.
As it becomes evident that the effects of a warming planet are deeper and faster in India than previously thought, the Centre has also identified 127 research institutes—collectively called Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment— to study climate change.
It seems clear there will be no agreement at Copenhagen, Denmark, where governments meet next month to discuss how developed and developing countries will cut carbon emissions and who will pay.
“There will be no legally binding agreement in Copenhagen,” predicted Ramesh. “Only a political statement, which will then be a mandate for negotiations.”
These statements, agreed other experts, would be legally binding on developed nations, not developing ones. “We must now work on the political statement,” said Ramesh.
This includes building a national consensus, a process that was derailed last month by the leak of a letter Ramesh wrote to Singh. The leak wrongly implied that India was thinking of mandating domestic emission cuts and offering them as global commitments.
http://www.livemint.com/2009/11/06234220/How-India-hopes-to-lead-the-wo.html?h=A1

One killed in clash between NREGA workers

TNN 7 November 2009, 06:57am IST
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JAIPUR: One person was killed during a bloody clash between NREGA workers in Chandanpura village under Sarmathura police station in Dholpur on

Thursday night. Police registered a complaint against guilty persons and investigatoi is on. However, no one has been arrested in the case.

Around four months ago, Vidhya Ram, who worked as a mate under NREGA, had a dispute with Ramua Gujjar over marking his attendance in a worksheet for payments. Irked over this, Vidhya had attacked Ramua with an axe and Ramua was seriously injury in his leg. On a complaint on June 26 police arrested Vidhya and two of his accomplice and they were sent to jail.

Two weeks ago, Vidhya, along with his men were out on bail and on Thursday night, they barged into the house of Ramua and threatened him and told him to reach a compromise. Both parties got into heated argument. When Ramua did not agreed to their demands Vidhya fired on them injuring Ram Khiladi in his abdomen.

Vidhya, then, along with his men fled while Ramua and his men rushed Ram Khiladi (44) to hospital but he succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

Sarmathura police said that the incident was outcome of past rivalry, Vidhya and Ramua had dispute over marking of attendance in NREGA scheme. Preliminary investigations have revealed Vidhya wanted compromise in the case but when Ramua had not agreed, he fired on him. "We have registered a case and trying to nab Vidhya, who is absconding, " said an official.

SP, Dholpur, Surendra Singh said that one person has died in a clash between two group and police are investigating the case. Meanwhile, police force has been deployed in the village to prevent any untoward incident as the situation was still tense.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/One-killed-in-clash-between-NREGA-workers/articleshow/5204847.cms

THE HONEST LEFTIST

- K. Balagopal was the conscience of Andhra society

Politics and Play - Ramachandra Guha

In a recent lecture, delivered in Mumbai in memory of Nani Palkhivala, the home minister, P. Chidambaram, attacked “left-leaning intellectuals” and “human rights groups”, who, in his view, “plead the naxalite cause ignoring the violence unleashed by the naxalites on innocent men, women and children”. “Why are the human rights groups silent?” asked the home minister.
The short answer is that they aren’t, and haven’t been, silent. There are very many intellectuals and rights activists who have regularly condemned — in newspapers as well as in specialist journals — Maoist methods such as the recruitment of juveniles as militants, the indiscriminate use of landmines, the killings of alleged informers, and the murders of forest guards and police constables who cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be dubbed ‘class enemies’.
It may just be that Chidambaram is new to the job, and that in his previous assignments his reading chiefly consisted of business magazines and stock market reports. It seems that he has been ill served by his assistants, who are paid precisely to avoid their ministers making such obvious factual mistakes in public.
If this assumption is correct, then the deficiencies can be remedied easily enough by the home minister being asked to read the writings of an intellectual who died the very week of his Palkhivala lecture. His name was K. Balagopal. Balagopal was described (by a younger friend) as “the conscience of the collective self known as Andhra society” — with reason, as for 30 years and more his chief focus of work and writing had been the politics and culture of his home state.
However, he was revered outside Andhra Pradesh too — in Kashmir, which he once referred to as the “only foreign country I have visited”; in Chhattisgarh, where he was among the first to document the excesses of the vigilante movement that goes under the name of Salwa Judum; in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and other cities, where his work for human rights was admired by those who sought to emulate him while knowing that they could never match his intellectual originality or his physical and moral courage.
Indians active in human rights usually come from a humanistic background — they are most often lawyers, social scientists, or journalists. Among the exceptions are the man who founded the first human rights organization in independent India — the engineer, Kapil Bhattacharya — and Balagopal. After taking a PhD in mathematics from Warangal, Balagopal taught for several years at Kakatiya University. Then, in the mid-1980s, he was forced to quit his job, and turned to working fulltime on civil liberties. In the late 1990s he acquired a law degree; now, his vocation complemented his activism, for the cases he fought in court were usually on behalf of subaltern groups victimized or harassed by the State.
In person, Balagopal could appear forbiddingly austere. Small talk and invocation of common friends got one nowhere — as I discovered when we were once placed on a panel together. But it was enough to hear him speak, and more so, to read him in print. His fellow Andhras read him in Telugu; the rest of us, in the Economic and Political Weekly, where he wrote regularly from the early 1980s until his death. His English prose was direct and economical — as befitting a mathematician, although I am told that in his own language he would allow himself an occasional flourish, as befitting the grandson of a major Telugu poet.
Like some others of his generation, Balagopal was powerfully shaped by the Emergency, against whose authoritarian excesses it was then automatic to juxtapose the youthful idealism of the Naxalites. And it was undeniably the case that in his native Andhra only the Naxalites worked among the very poor — such as the sharecroppers and landless labourers of Telengana, and the poor and often destitute tribals of the Agency areas.
Over the years, Balagopal arrived at a less romantic view of the Naxalites. He deplored their cult of violence in articles in English and, perhaps more effectively, in articles in Telugu that were directed at and read by the objects of his criticism. In the late 1990s, he wrote a brilliant essay that anatomized the means, foul and often brutal, used by Maoists to enhance their power and dominance over recalcitrant individuals and groups. (In what follows, I rely on a translation by the historian Rajagopal Vakulabharanam.) Here Balagopal dealt in detail with various cases of harassment, intimidation and murder practised by Maoist groups in Andhra Pradesh. He wrote that “we should publicly interrogate those who claim for themselves the right to kill for the sake of ‘progress’ and the wisdom to define what is progress. We need not hesitate to critique those who do not hesitate to usurp the rights of others, including their right to live, for the sake of revolution”. “[If] Naxalites had any respect for the humanistic values or the sentiments of those close to whom they kill,” he remarked, “they will not kill them by smashing their faces in such a way that they are virtually unrecognizable.”
To be sure, Balagopal also wrote often (and perhaps more often) of crimes and errors on the other side, of how the police and paramilitary brutalized innocent citizens in the name of Law and Order, of how politicians and industrialists seized the land of poor peasants in the name of promoting ‘Development’ while in fact lining their own pockets. In his last years, he was particularly active in opposing the acquistion of farmland for special economic zones in Andhra Pradesh. In sum, Balagopal refused to accept, from either State or Maoist, the justification of “a culture and mentality which celebrates power and use of force in society”.
Balagopal was that altogether rare animal, a genuinely independent Indian intellectual, whose moral clarity and commitment to the truth meant that he could not resort to special pleading for any party or interest. The flawed institutions of our imperfect democracy were all subject to his rigorous scanner — the police, the judiciary, the bureaucracy, and not least, corrupt and authoritarian politicians. When Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy was first elected chief minister, Balagopal wrote that while a pliant media sought to clothe him with “the image of a good doctor who has turned to politics to cure society”, in truth YSR was “anything but a vendor of humane visages. His rise to power has been accompanied by more bloodshed than that of any other politician in this state”. As it happens, he was also among the first to see through YSR’s predecessor, pointing out that “Chandrababu [Naidu] is merely an ambitious political schemer who has managed to con quite a lot of intelligent people because he knows their hunger for the image he has put on — a third world politician in the mould of a corporate executive spewing IT jargon and the verbiage of the World Bank’s development policy prejudices — is too acute for the normal functioning of their other senses”.
Those concerned with the security of the State often criticize human rights workers for living in an ivory tower, for not knowing the law, and for making excuses for the Naxalites. When (or if) made against Balagopal, none of these charges held any water. He knew rural India intimately: a tireless fieldworker, he had explored, on foot or in crowded buses, almost every district of Andhra as well as many districts in Chhattisgarh, Orissa, and Kashmir. He was extremely well acquainted with the Indian Penal Code as well as the Constitution, and hence could pinpoint how, and in what measure, the State had violated its own laws. And no one could accuse him of being a Maoist apologist.
His friends and readers shall mourn Balagopal’s death, at the comparatively young age of fifty-seven. On the other hand, the ideologues and leaders of the Maoist movement are probably quite relieved at his passing. That caveat ‘probably’ can be dispensed with when it comes to the Andhra police, Andhra politicians, and the Union home ministry. For the most credible critic of their crimes and impunities has unexpectedly been removed from their midst.
ramachandraguha@yahoo.in

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091107/jsp/opinion/story_11635423.jsp]

Gram Sabha Needs Orientation On Climate Change

Keywords:
Gram Sabha Needs Orientation On Climate Change,documents And Reports ,Madhya Pradesh,Scheduled Tribes And Other Traditional Forest Dwellers

Posted On: 07-Nov-2009 10:02:33 By: Awanish SomkuwarFont Size:

India is observing the year 2009-10 as the Year of Gram Sabha. It has immediately assumed significance in the context of ongoing dialogues on climate change. Announcement of the Gram Sabha Year offers a space for strategic thinking on how Gram Sabha as a constitutionally mandated body can contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change and improving common understanding on climate change issues. This is the most suitable time slot to recognize and acknowledge the role of Gram Sabha in combating the menacing situations caused byclimate change. It is also the right time to enlist the expectations from Gram Sabha on major issues like climate change.

India has pioneered in establishment of decentralized system of governance through radical 73rdconstitutional amendment. Indiais a vibrant democracy. The three tier Panchayat system has added a new dimension by defining socio-political behaviour of the rural India. Her rural population specially the tribal population is full of wisdom, which remains unchallenged even in the modern age of computer science.
Spiritual perception of environment, unflinching faith in the miraculous powers of Nature, knowledge of medical flora and inherent respect for eco-systems are some essential behaviours exhibited in the public conduct of ethnic groups play a major role in practicing environmental ethics. India can take a lead on advocating how lower level democratic institutions like Gram Sabha can effectively address climate change issues if enlightened on emerging scenario.

The recently released World Development Report – 2010 clearly illustrates the equation of climate change, development and poverty. It cautions that the development gains can be reversed by adverse impact of climate change both on human population and farming systems. “The bio-diversity and eco-system services in changing climate have also been threatened” menacingly. “Land-based activities can support bio-diversity”, the report further says. Countries like India can have hopes from grassroots level peoples’ institutions. The Gram Sabha needs to be sensitized about the possible impact. The question is that who is going to enlighten the Gram Sabha about this. There is no clear communication path between high profile forums and the community institutions despite the fact that the responsibility will ultimately fall on the community.

Recently a Memorandum of Agreement on climate change has been signed between India and China for partnership on strengthening dialogues and practical cooperation. While India is in dialogue with global institutions and countries, downward communication is missing. An intensive campaign to inform Gram Sabha about the key agenda items is urgently needed. The forum of Gram Sabha can be constructively utilized for improving the popular understanding on climate change and emerging challenges. Better understanding onclimate change will encourage voluntary adaptation of low-carbon technologies.

A series of documents and reports on climate change have appeared generating a worldwide debate. Why Gram Sabha should remain ignorant? The state governments must come forward to celebrate the spirit of Gram Sabha Year. The simple strategy should be to publish summary of important documents in local dialects. It would not only ensure the revival of dying out dialects but also help vital information reach out to the genuine stakeholders. For example, Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006 was published in Gondi, Bhili and Korkudialects in Madhya Pradesh and was read out in Gram Sabha meetings and was well-received. Lucidly written literature on climate change in local dialects can be extremely helpful.

The Union Government has prescribed a number of initiatives for the states to be taken up during Gram Sabha Year. In the context of forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference at Copenhagen, the immediate step is to equip the Gram Panchayat headquarters with relevant information whether in print or audio-visual formats. A series of orientation sessions can be held for Panchayat functionaries and representatives of Panchayat Raj Institutions. The Government of India has asked the states to conduct social audits of works done under NREGA and monitor the performance of other rural development schemes. A step further, dialogues onclimate change and related issues can also be initiated.

Article 243A of Indian Constitution provides that a Gram Sabha may exercise such powers and perform such functions at the village level as the legislature of a State may, by law, provide. In the context, Madhya Pradesh has enacted Panchayat and Gram Swaraj Act 1993 following which there is a Gram Sabha for every village. It is duty of the Gram Sabha to suggest corrective measures for preventing environmental degradation by promoting land improvement, plantations, organic farming, and community-led management of watersheds, clean development mechanisms and conservation of bio-diversity. Gram Sabha can assume educative role to motivate every member to keep the earth cool and green. States have given enough powers to Gram Sabha and have realized their importance. Now the stage has come when they need to be an active player in the process of dialogues on bigger issues.

http://www.mynews.in/News/Gram_Sabha_Needs_Orientation_On_Climate_Change_N29434.html#

Too little, too late?

Pratik Kanjilal
Email Author
November 06, 2009

Manmohan Singh may be the man of the moment, but he isn’t the flavour of the season. Last year, he had identified the Maoists as our biggest security threat. This week, at a meet on the Forest Rights Act, he publicly accepted the truth that has been obvious for decades — that Maoism will keep growing unless tribals get their due. An important meeting, given that Maoist attacks in the tribal areas are dominating the headlines, it was nevertheless ignored by the chief ministers of all the Maoist-affected states, with the sole exception of Naveen Patnaik. So is Singh the man of the moment or too far ahead of his time?
The day before this meet, the death of a man a 100 years old was announced in Paris. A man so far ahead of his time that he had broken with the past. Claude Levi-Strauss, who worked on ‘primitive’ societies, was relatively unknown outside intellectual circles. His name reminded ordinary people of a jeans manufacturer in San Francisco. But he casts a long shadow over the social sciences.
Levi-Strauss shifted the focus of inquiry from what institutions like marriage, a clan or an IIT are for, to the intriguing question of what they are made of. His structuralist analysis of myth, the oldest form of human knowledge, shared across peoples, made a radical break with the ethnocentrism which had marked the study of humankind since the rise of Europe. The identification of racial differences was popular well into the 20th century because it served the colonial project. But by the 1950s, when Levi-Strauss began to receive attention, the illogical link between race and culture just had to be broken. Why is it illogical? Simply because there are many more cultures than there are races.
But in our forest areas, we are still applying another colonial idea — terra nullius, which was used to beggar indigenous populations in the Americas and Australia. It posited that anyone could occupy lands over which no one claimed ownership. Or were perceived not to have the right to claim ownership, the pretext for the annexation of Oudh and Jhansi in India. Occupied lands were there to be exploited, the welfare of local people being secondary. Exactly as we have exploited the lands, minerals and forest resources of the tribal areas, with almost no regard for local populations.
They were squeezed between the Indian Forests Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, through which the government took away forest land and denied access to the commons without making proper reparation. More land was taken away for development projects and, in recent years, for special economic zones for land-hungry business. The Forest Rights Act of 2006 was supposed to right historical wrongs, but the tribals still seem to have a raw deal.
There was ample warning of trouble ahead. For example, the 1980s saw a militant phase of the Jharkhand movement in which, incidentally, the Naxals were involved. Now a lesser breed of Maoists with a tenuous interest in ideology, complete disinterest in the democratic process and a disgusting eagerness to commit murder has assumed control over tribal communities. Perhaps the Prime Minister is not ahead of his time. Maybe the rest of the country is running on Indian Standard Time.
Pratik Kanjilal is publisher of The Little Magazine.
n pratik@littlemag.com
The views expressed by the author are personal.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Too-little-too-late/H1-Article1-473519.aspx