The Federation of Minor Minerals Industry (FEMMI) has given a detailed representation to Andhra Pradesh’s minister of Mines, Mr Kollu Ravindra bringing to his attention several critical issues that it believes is adversely affecting the state’s mining industry.

‘The health of the mining sector is crucial for the survival and growth of the downstream mineral processing industry within the state and beyond’ said the FEMMI letter signed by its secretary general Dr CH Rao.

Categorizing its recommendations into short-term, medium-term, and long-term based on the urgency, FEMMI called for proper streamlining and revival of the mineral mining ecosystem.

Immediate Asks

Some of their immediate Term (Within a Week or Two) asks included Restoration of Online Permit System: Reinstate the online permit system to streamline operations and reduce delays, Establish redressal cells at every district office, Abolishing the consideration tax to alleviate the financial burden on lessees, Removal of CFE & CFO Fees, Lease Renewals for 50 Years as per the MMDR Act amendments for all minor minerals, and removal of the renewal fee, Ensuring lease renewals for granite as per the Granite Conservation and Development Rules (GCDR) 1999 and in accordance with the AP High Court judgment.

Medium Term Asks

Similarly some of their medium Term (2-3 Months) asks included policy Reversal on Ineffective Solutions, FCFS System for Lease Applications, Restoration of Cancelled Applications, Uniform Mineral Taxation Policy, Transparent Online Revenue Collection and others.

Long Term Asks

Some of their long term asks included developing a robust Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession (APMMC) policy in alignment with the MMDR and GCDR Act, establishing a proper policy on pit measurements and eliminate political prosecution, establishing an RTI cell and ensure continuous, open publication of all government orders, Implementing a robust, technology-driven mineral transport system to curb illegal transportation and tax evasion, ensuring an affordable taxation to promote compliance and reduce evasion, Creating Skill Centres and other such measures.

‘We believe that these measures will significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the mining sector in Andhra Pradesh, benefiting both the industry and the government’ said DR CH Rao in his letter to the minister.

The letter also mentioned that Mr Nara Lokesh has promised to review and repeal all government orders that have burdened and derailed the mining and processing industry.