The Union environment ministry has updated its regulations to simplify the process for mining companies to manage ‘overburden’ and ‘rejects.’ This includes the earth, soil, rock, and debris produced during mining operations, as well as sub-grade minerals. The changes aim to facilitate the utilization or sale of these materials by mining firms.
It had also sought guidelines for disposal or sale of sub-grade minerals generated during current operations and legacy stocks within lease areas. The matter was examined by the Expert Appraisal Committee (Non-Coal Mining Sector) at meetings in April, June and July. However, the ministry flagged environmental risks from handling legacy waste. Re-handling old overburden or rejects could result in fugitive dust emissions and wastewater generation, requiring suitable updates to the Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
Through two separate office memorandums dated September 18, the ministry allowed companies to seek an amendment to their existing environmental clearance (EC), instead of applying for a fresh clearance, subject to certain conditions. The move follows requests from the ministry of mines dated July 31, 2025 and March 27, 2026, seeking permission for disposal or sale of overburden and rejects generated during ongoing mining operations, as well as legacy material.
The committee said utilisation of such material would facilitate “scientific mine management, optimum mineral resource utilisation and reduction of environmental concerns” caused by its accumulation.
New Regulations Allow Utilisation of Mining Byproducts
The Indian government has announced that companies can now utilise overburden and rejects generated during ongoing mining operations through an amendment to the Environmental Clearance (EC) process. This requires companies to submit an approved or modified mining plan, which must include a revised mine closure plan that accounts for the proposed quantities of material to be used. Additionally, prior permission from the state government, subject to approval by the Indian Bureau of Mines, is necessary.
Sub-grade minerals produced during mining can also be utilised, provided they are included in the approved mining plan and pertain to the same mineral for which the EC was granted. Furthermore, legacy stockpiles of sub-grade minerals within the lease area may be used under the new EC amendment.
Mining policy expert BK Bhatia, a former director general of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), explained that these changes would help alleviate space constraints at mining sites, allowing for the use of materials in road construction and other on-site projects. He noted that this initiative could also contribute to addressing environmental concerns related to mining activities.
