Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation Development Rules 2024

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 729] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2024/PAUSHA 10, 1946 CG-DL-E-01012025-259838 MINISTRY OF MINES NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 31st December, 2024 G.S.R. 791(E) .—In exercise of the powers conferred by section 35 of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (17 of 2003), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:— CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and commencement.– (1) These rules may be called the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. (1) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. Applicability.– In accordance with sub-section (1) of section 3, these rules shall apply to all minerals in the offshore areas, except mineral oils and hydrocarbons related thereto. 3. Definitions.– (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,— (a) “abandonment of mine” means the final closure of a mine, either whole or part thereof, when the mineral deposits within the mine or part thereof have been fully extracted or when the production operations thereon have become uneconomic; (b) “Act” means the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (17 of 2003); (c) “authorised officer” means— (i) an officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines duly authorised in writing by the Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines; or (ii) an officer authorised in this behalf by the administering authority to perform the functions under these rules; or (iii) an officer of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research authorised in writing by the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, to perform the functions under these rules in respect of minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals; (d) “beneficiation” means processing of minerals or ores for the purpose of upgrading the quality, purity or assay grade of the desired product by removing unwanted constituents; (e) “Chief Controller of Mines” means the Chief Controller of Mines of the Indian Bureau of Mines; (f) “competent authority” means the competent authority referred to in rule 5 in the case of exploration plan and in rule 14 in the case of production plan; (g) “Controller General” means the Controller General of the Indian Bureau of Mines; (h) “Controller of Mines” means the Controller of Mines of the Indian Bureau of Mines; (i) “cores” means the samples of sub-surface rocks or mineral bearing sediment obtained during drilling of boreholes or sub-surface coring; (j) “development” means removal of overburden or unproductive or waste materials as preparatory to production of minerals or mineral bearing sediment; (k) “environment” and “environmental pollution” shall have the same meanings as assigned respectively to them in clauses (a) and (c) of section 2 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986); (l) “final mine closure” means steps and measures taken for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected due to production operations in a mine or part thereof, commencing from cessation of production operations or processing operations in a mine or part thereof; (m) “final mine closure plan” means a plan for the purpose of decommissioning and for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected due to production operations in a mine or part thereof, after cessation of production operations and mineral processing operations, that has been prepared in the manner specified in the standard format and guidelines issued by the Indian Bureau of Mines or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research for minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals; (n) “Form” means a Form annexed in the Schedule; (o) “geologist” means a person appointed by the holder of an operating right to perform the duties of a geologist under these rules; (p) “mining engineer” means a person appointed by the holder of an operating right to perform the duties of a mining engineer under these rules; (q) “mineral rejects” include all the excavated materials that do not constitute useful material, which may be rejected either on the basis of grade or size; (r) “production plan” means the plan referred to in rule 15; (s) “progressive mine closure plan” means a progressive plan for the purpose of providing protective measures and enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected due to production operations in a mine or part thereof that has been prepared in the manner specified in the standard format and guidelines issued by Indian Bureau of Mines or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research for minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals; (t) “Regional Controller” means the Regional Controller of Mines of the Indian Bureau of Mines; (u) “Schedule” means the Schedule annexed to these rules; (v) “section” means a section of the Act; (w) “temporary discontinuance” means the planned or unplanned suspension of production operations in a mine or part thereof and where the operations are likely to be resumed not earlier than one hundred and twenty days; and (x) “year” means the twelve months period beginning from the first day of April and ending on the thirty-first day of March of the following year. (2) Words and expressions used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as assigned to them in the Act or the rules made thereunder. 4. Powers and functions of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.–Throughout these rules, wherever any power, function or responsibility of the Indian Bureau of Mines or its officers is specified or any information is to be submitted to the Indian Bureau of Mines or its officers, the same shall be deemed as power, function or responsibility of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research or its officers or requirement of submission of information to the said Directorate or its officers for minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals, in the following manner, namely:— (a) any reference to the Indian Bureau of Mines, to be deemed as reference to the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research; (b) any reference to the Controller General or the Chief Controller of Mines or the Controller of Mines or the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, to be deemed as reference to the Director or as the case may be, the authorised officer of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research. CHAPTER II RECONNAISSANCE AND EXPLORATION OPERATIONS 5. Competent authority in respect of exploration plan.– The Controller General or an officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, authorised in writing by the Controller General shall be the competent authority to take decisions with respect to approval and modification of an exploration plan. 6. Exploration plan.– (1) A preferred bidder or the Government, or a Government company, or a corporation, as the case may be, selected for grant of composite licence, shall submit to the Controller General and, Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, an exploration plan, within a period of ninety days from the date of letter of intent or notification under section 8, as the case may be, indicating the manner in which he proposes to carry out the exploration operations in the area covered under the composite licence. (1) No exploration operation shall be undertaken by a licensee except in accordance with an exploration plan, which has been approved by the officers specified in rule 5. (2) The exploration plan shall be prepared in the format as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines from time to time. (3) The exploration plan shall include following, namely:— (a) particulars of the licence area in latitudes and longitudes; (b) the scale of the plan and the area of geological mapping; (c) details of proposed exploration programme; (d) a tentative timeline of exploration operations and yearly plan, including milestones for exploration operations; (e) the particulars of the vessels, implements, installations, engines, machines and instruments to be used; and (f) any other details of exploration operations specified by the competent authority referred to in rule 5 from time to time. 7. Preparation of exploration plan.– Every exploration plan shall be prepared or modified, as the case may be, by a person having the following qualifications and experience:— (a) a post graduate degree in Geology or Applied Geology or Geophysics or Marine Geology or any equivalent qualification granted by University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, including any institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission under Section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act 1956 (3 of 1956) or any equivalent qualification granted by any University or institution outside India and recognised by Government of India; and (b) professional experience of five years of working in a supervisory capacity in the field of marine mineral exploration after obtaining the degree. 8. Procedure for approval of exploration plan.– (1) The exploration plan shall be submitted to the officer specified in rule 5. (2) Every exploration plan submitted for approval under sub-rule (1) of rule 6 shall be accompanied by such fee as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (3) The competent authority referred to in rule 5 shall dispose of the application for approval of the exploration plan within a period of sixty days from the date of receiving of such application: Provided that the aforesaid period of sixty days shall be applicable only if the exploration plan is complete in all respects, and in case of any modifications subsequently suggested by the competent authority after the initial submission of the exploration plan for approval, the said period shall be applicable from the date on which such modifications are carried out and submitted afresh to the competent authority. (4) The competent authority referred to in rule 5 may, by an order in writing, at any time direct modification to the exploration plan submitted under sub-rule (1) of rule 6 or impose such conditions in such plan as it may consider necessary. 9. Modification of exploration plan.– (1) An exploration plan, submitted under sub-rule (1) of rule 6 may be modified at any time by the licensee, on geological considerations, or for facilitating increase of efficiency in exploration capacity, or any other reason to be specified in writing by such licensee or as directed by the competent authority referred to in rule 5, as the case may be, during continuance of the exploration operations. (2) Any modification carried out under sub-rule (1) shall be subject to prior approval of the competent authority referred to in rule 5 and shall be disposed of in accordance with procedure specified in rule 8. (3) No proposal for modifications to the exploration plan shall be considered by the competent authority referred to in rule 5 after the date falling six months prior to the expiration of the exploration licence of the composite licence. 10. Exploration operations to be carried out in accordance with exploration plan.– Every holder of a composite licence shall carry out the exploration operations in accordance with the approved exploration plan or with such modifications, if any, as provided under rule 9 or as directed by the competent authority. 11. Intimation about reconnaissance and exploration operations.– Every holder of a composite licence shall send an intimation in Form-A of the First Schedule to the— (a) Regional Controller, administering authority, authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, and Naval Headquarters (Directorate of Naval Intelligence), Ministry of Defence, at least two months in advance about the commencement of exploration operations and reconnaissance operations. (b) Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, for publishing on navigational charts and issue of NAVAREA warning for safety of mariners and local fishermen at sea at least fifteen days before commencing reconnaissance operations and exploration operations. 12. Inspection of exploration operations.– (1) The holder of a composite licence shall allow any authorised officer to examine at any time, the accounts maintained by him and shall furnish to the authorised officer, such information and returns as the authorised officer may require. (2) The holder of a composite licence shall also allow any authorised officer to inspect any exploration operations carried on by him including the maps, sections, profiles, core logs and samples generated during the exploration operations. 13. Reports to be submitted by holder of composite licence or any other authorised agency.– (1) Every holder of a composite licence shall submit to the Geological Survey of India, administering authority, authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Regional Controller and any other authorised officer, as the case may be:— (a) a yearly report along with yearly progress update in Form-B of the First Schedule within sixty days after the close of the year; (b) quarterly progress update in Form-B of the First Schedule within thirty days after the close of the quarter; (c) a final report explaining the result of the exploration operations in the form of a geological report prepared under rule 4 of the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024; identifying the area suitable for grant of a production lease, if applicable, within six months after completion of exploration operations. (2) The format of the reporting under sub-rule (1) shall be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (3) Every agency authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 shall submit to the Geological Survey of India, the administering authority, the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines and Regional Controller, a yearly report along with yearly progress update in Form-B of the First Schedule so as to reach him within sixty days after the expiry of every twelve months from the date of commencement of reconnaissance operations or exploration operations by such agency. (4) In case the reconnaissance operations or exploration operations are abandoned, the report along with Form-B of the First Schedule shall be submitted within a period of thirty days from the date of such abandonment and a copy of the report shall be sent to the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India. (5) While submitting the reports under sub-rule (1), the licensee may specify that the whole or any part of the reports and data submitted by him shall be kept confidential, and the recipients as specified in sub-rule (1) shall thereupon, keep such portions of the submitted reports and data as confidential as may be deemed fit: Provided that the Central Government shall have the right to freely use such confidential reports and data for its own purposes: Provided further that if the licensee fails to apply for a production lease within the time period stipulated in sub-section (6) of section 12, or if an application for production lease submitted by the licensee is rejected by the Central Government or the administering authority, or upon termination or expiration of the composite licence, or abandonment of operations or surrender of excess area in accordance with the first proviso to sub-rule (7) of rule 18 of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, all reports and data submitted by the said licensee shall become the sole property of the Central Government. CHAPTER III PRODUCTION OPERATIONS 14. Competent authority in respect of production plan.– The Controller General or an officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, authorised in writing by the Controller General shall be the competent authority to take decisions with respect to approval, review and modification of a production plan and with respect to final mine closure plan. 15. Production plan.– (1) No production operations shall be undertaken except in accordance with a production plan, which has been approved, modified or reviewed by the competent authority referred to in rule 14 and in accordance with rules 16,17 and 18. (2) The production plan shall include the following, namely:— (a) the plan of the lease area showing the nature and extent of the mineralised area, spot or spots where the production operations are proposed to be carried out based on the data gathered by the applicant or any other person; (b) details of the geology and lithology of the lease area including mineral resources and reserves of the area; (c) details of proposed exploration and production programme; (d) details of the mechanism of measurement or weighment of extracted minerals, computation of royalty, the point of discharge from the lease area and port of unloading or discharge in India, at which the minerals shall be brought, if any; (e) the details of mode of production operation indicating method of production, excavation, drilling, dredging, handling of waste and mineral rejects, use of mineral and beneficiation of minerals, site-services, employment-potential; (f) a tentative schedule of production operations and plan for production operations from year to year for five years; (g) a tentative estimate about accretion of mine waste and its manner and mode of disposal and confinement; (h) manner of mineral processing and mineral upgradation, if any, including mode of tailing disposal; (i) a progressive mine closure plan; (j) environment management plan indicating baseline information, impact assessment and mitigation measures; and (k) any other matter which the Central Government or the Indian Bureau of Mines may require the applicant to provide in the production plan. (3) The production plan shall be made in accordance with a manual prepared by the Indian Bureau of Mines, in this regard. 16. Preparation of production plan.– (1) Every production plan shall be prepared or modified, as the case may be, by a person having the following qualifications and experience:— (a) a degree in mining engineering or a post-graduate degree in geology or Applied Geology or Geophysics or Marine Geology or any equivalent qualification granted by a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, including any institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act 1956 (3 of 1956) or any equivalent qualification granted by any University or institution outside India and recognised by Government of India; and (b) professional experience of five years of working in a supervisory capacity in the field of mining after obtaining the degree. (2) It shall be the obligation of the lessee to ensure that the production plan is prepared in accordance with the manual prepared by the Indian Bureau of Mines in this regard. 17. Procedure for approval of production plan.– (1) The production plan shall be submitted to the competent authority referred to in rule 14. (2) Every production plan submitted for approval under sub-rule (1) shall be accompanied by such fee as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (3) The competent authority referred to in rule 14 shall dispose of the application for approval of the production plan within a period of ninety days from the date of receiving of such application: Provided that the aforesaid period of ninety days shall be applicable only if the production plan is complete in all respects, and in case of any modifications subsequently suggested by the competent authority after the initial submission of the production plan for approval, the said period shall be applicable from the date on which such modifications are carried out and submitted afresh to the competent authority. (4) The competent authority referred to in rule 14 may, by an order in writing, at any time direct modification of the production plan or impose such conditions in the production plan as it may consider necessary. 18. Modification and review of production plan.– (1) The production plan once approved shall be subject to review and updation at an interval of every five years starting from the date of execution of the duly executed production lease deed. (2) At least one hundred twenty days before the expiry of every five year period specified in sub- rule (1), the lessee shall submit a production plan for production operations for a period of five subsequent years prepared in accordance with rule 16, which shall be disposed of in accordance with rule 17. (3) A holder of a production lease may seek modifications in the approved production plan as are considered expedient, keeping in view changes in the business environment, or for facilitating increase of efficiency in production capacity, or in the interest of safe and scientific mining, conservation of minerals, for the protection of environment or geological considerations by such lessee during continuance of the lease or any other reason to be specified in writing by the holder of a production lease. (4) In case of modifications to a production plan, the provisions of rule 16 and rule 17 shall mutatis mutandis apply. 19. Production operations under production lease.– If the production operations are not carried out in accordance with the approved production plan or any information contained in the production plan is found to be incorrect, misleading or non-compliant with applicable laws including these rules, the competent authority may by order, suspend all or any of the production operations and permit continuance of only such operations as are required for enabling of natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected by such operations in the lease area including any measures as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time in such regard as envisaged under the approved production plan or modified production plan: Provided that the lessee shall be informed in writing about the violation and if the violation is not rectified within a period of forty-five days, a show cause notice shall be issued asking reasons why the production operations should not be suspended and, further, if no satisfactory reply is received within a period of thirty days, the production operations shall be suspended: Provided further that the competent authority may revoke the suspension after compliance by rectifying the violation pointed out in this regard. 20. Inspection of production operations.– (1) The holder of a production lease shall allow any authorised officer to examine at any time, the accounts maintained by him and shall furnish to the authorised officer, such information and returns as the authorised officer may require. (2) The holder of a production lease shall also allow any authorised officer to inspect any production operations carried on by him including the core logs and samples generated during the production operations. 21. Exploration operations and production operations.– (1) The exploration operations and production operations shall be carried out in such a manner so as to ensure systematic development of mineral deposits, conservation of minerals and protection of the marine environment. (2) The composite licence holder shall carry out exploration as per the norms provided in the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024: Provided that the exploration norms shall be specified by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, in respect of atomic minerals. (3) The holder of a production lease shall carry out Detailed Exploration [(G1 level)] over the entire potentially mineralised area under the production lease, in the manner specified in the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024 or the rules made under section 35 of the Act in relation to minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals , as the case may be, within a period of five years from the date of opening of the mine after execution of such production lease. (4) For the exploration done under sub-rule (3), the holder of production lease shall submit to the administering authority and the Indian Bureau of Mines, a geological study report prepared in the manner specified in the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024, within three months after the completion of the exploration operations. (5) The administering authority shall conduct technical audit of geological study report as submitted under this rule for its verification and in case lessee fails to perform his duties as so specified, the administering authority may, after giving the lessee an opportunity of being heard, take such action for enforcing compliance, as it deems fit. (6) The sampling of drill cores shall be done for the entire mineralised portion at regular intervals, preferably metre wise or less, in accordance with Part-III of Schedule-I of Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024, and chemical analysis for the major radical shall be done for all the samples. (7) Mineral resources shall be estimated periodically based on exploration carried out and the resources shall be estimated up to the threshold value of the mineral, as may be notified by Indian Bureau of Mines, from time to time and the updated resources shall be furnished in the review of the production plan at the interval of five years. (8) Indian Bureau of Mines shall review the threshold values of minerals periodically in consultation with the stake holders. 22. Machinery and plant.– (1) The holder of a production lease shall maintain log books duly authenticated by its manager or mining engineer in respect of each vessel, survey equipment, sampling equipment, dredger, beneficiation plant, machinery showing date-wise, survey locations including survey lines, sample locations, weather conditions, sea state, account of hours worked, hours not worked, reasons for non-working, consumption of fuel or energy and lubricants and output of the machine during the corresponding working hours. (2) The summary of operation of each machine, vessel, equipment and plant as specified in sub-rule (1) shall be recorded in the log book at the end of each month bringing out the percentage availability and percentage utilisation of such machine, vessel, equipment and plant, average hourly performance and average fuel or energy consumption per hour. (3) The log books shall be maintained in electronic form or in hard copy and shall be made available to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines on demand. 23. Notice for commencement of production operations of mine.– Every holder of a production lease shall send an intimation in Form-C of the First Schedule to the— (a) administering authority, authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Naval Headquarters (Directorate of Naval Intelligence), Ministry of Defence, and Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, as the case may be, at least two months in advance of the commencement of production operations of a mine, which shall be accompanied with a copy of the approved production plan. (b) Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, for publishing on navigational charts and issue of NAVAREA warning for safety of mariners and local fishermen at sea at least fifteen days before commencing production operations. 24. Abandonment of mines.– (1) The holder of a production lease shall not abandon a mine during the subsistence of the production lease except with the prior permission in writing of the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines. (2) The holder of a production lease shall send to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines a notice in Form-D of the First Schedule of his intention to abandon a mine so as to reach them at least ninety days before the intended date of such abandonment, which shall be accompanied by maps, sections and profiles on a scale as specified in rule 30 setting forth accurately the work done in the mine up to the time of submission of the notice including the measures envisaged for the protection of the abandoned mine or part thereof, the approaches thereto and the environment: Provided that the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines may require the maps, sections and profiles to be prepared on any other suitable scale. (3) The authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, may by an order in writing made before the proposed date of abandonment, prohibit abandonment or allow it to be done with such conditions as he may specify in the order. (4) The holder of a production lease shall not abandon a mine unless a final mine closure plan duly approved by the competent authority, is implemented, and for this purpose, the lessee shall be required to obtain a certificate from the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines to the effect that the lessee has taken all necessary steps, including any measures as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time, for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected by production operations in accordance with the final mine closure plan or with such modifications as approved by the competent authority have been carried out before abandonment of mine. (5) The holder of a production lease shall continue to be liable to pay for any expenditure over and above the performance security incurred by the administering authority towards protective measures and for taking all necessary steps, including any measures as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time, for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected by productions operations in the lease area of the production lease. 25. Submission of final mine closure plan.– (1) Every holder of a production lease shall take steps to prepare final mine closure plan as per the guidelines and format prepared by the Indian Bureau of Mines from time to time. (2) The holder of a production lease shall submit a final mine closure plan to the competent authority for approval two years prior to the proposed final mine closure or surrender of the entire or part area of the production lease, accompanied by such fee as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (3) The competent authority shall convey their approval or refusal of the final mine closure plan within ninety days of the date of its receipt to the holder of the production lease. (4) Non-submission of final mine closure plan within the period specified under sub-rule (1) shall attract the forfeiture of performance security. 26. The modification of final mine closure plan.– (1) The holder of a production lease desirous of seeking modifications in the approved final mine closure plan, shall submit to the competent authority for approval setting forth the intended modifications and explaining the reasons for such modifications. (2) The competent authority may approve the modifications as submitted under sub-rule (1) or approve with such alterations as he may consider expedient. 27. Responsibility of holder of a production lease.– The holder of a production lease shall have the responsibility to take all necessary steps or measures, including any measures as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time, for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected by production operations, in accordance with the approved final mine closure plan, or with such modifications as approved by the competent authority. 28. Notice of temporary discontinuance of work in mines and obligations of lessees.– (1) Subject to the provisions of section 7, the holder of a production lease shall send to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, administering authority and the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, a notice in Form-E of the First Schedule when the production or mineral processing operations in the mine or part thereof are discontinued for a period exceeding ninety days so as to reach them within one hundred and twenty days from the date of such temporary discontinuance. (2) Where the discontinuance takes place as a result of the occurrence of a natural calamity beyond the control of the holder of a production lease or in compliance with any order or directions issued by any statutory authority established under any law in force or any tribunal or a court, a notice shall be submitted to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines within a period of fifteen days of such discontinuance in Form-E of the First Schedule. (3) During the temporary discontinuation of a mine or part thereof, it shall be the responsibility of the holder of a production lease to— (a) comply with the reasonable prohibitive measures to restrict access for unauthorised entry; (b) provide protective measures to potentially dangerous sources of electrical and mechanical installations, workings and all other structures; (c) ensure that all contaminated effluents are controlled and all physical, chemical, biological monitoring programmes are continued. 29. Intimation of reopening of a mine.– The holder of a production lease shall, at least thirty days prior to reopening of a mine after temporary discontinuance, send to the administering authority, authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Naval Headquarters (Directorate of Naval Intelligence), Ministry of Defence and Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India an intimation in Form-C of the First Schedule. CHAPTER IV MAPS, SECTIONS AND PROFILES 30. General requirements about maps, sections and profiles.– (1) Every map, section or profile prepared or submitted in accordance with the provisions of these rules shall- (a) show the name of the mine and of the holder of the production lease and the purpose for which the map, section or profile is prepared; (b) show the true north or the magnetic meridian and the date of observation; (c) show a scale of the map at least twenty-five centimetres long and suitably sub-divided; (d) unless otherwise provided, be on a scale having a representative factor of— (i) 1:1,000 or smaller, in case of lease area having up to six standard blocks; and (ii) 1:5,000 or smaller in case of lease area having more than six standard blocks: Provided that the competent authority may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the maps to be prepared on any other suitable scale; (e) be digitally prepared in the format as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (2) The maps, sections and profiles shall be accurate within such limits of error as the Controller General may specify by a general or special order. (3) The maps, sections and profiles required under these rules shall be maintained up to date showing also the respective proposal of approved production plan for various activities pertaining to that year, within three months. 31. Types of maps, sections and profiles.– (1) The holder of a production lease shall keep the following digitally prepared maps, sections and profiles, namely:— (a) a map showing location and number of the marker buoys (if deployed) along with its latitude and longitude values, every morphologic feature of the seabed within the production lease boundaries, telecommunication cable, power transmission line, offshore wind turbine generators, offshore power substations, oil platform or pipelines, underwater archaeological sites, dumps and dumping area, marine sanctuaries, disposition of standard blocks, rock outcrops and other workings within the production lease; (b) a geological map of the area of production lease showing— (i) bathymetric map with depth contour at not more than one metre interval; (ii) location of sample, sediment distribution, exploration pits, dredge lines, coring or drill core and any other openings made for exploration or production operations; (iii) exploration levels such as G1, G2, G3 and G4 as specified in the Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024; (iv) mineral distribution map; (v) sub-bottom sections at vertical scale of 1:500 scale or larger scale to represent the various sediment layers based on seismic survey or sub-bottom profiler survey; (vi) sections showing sedimentological or lithological variation with mineral content based on core samples or drill cores; (vii) standard block-wise mineral estimation with grade at one metre interval sediment thickness. (2) Maps as specified under clause (b) of sub-rule (1) shall show proposed dredge lines as dotted lines and completed dredge lines as firm lines level-wise; (3) The workings of each mineral deposit shall be shown on separate map: Provided that where it is not possible to show the complete boundary of the lease area on the same map, an additional key map on any other suitable scale showing such boundaries and the outline of the workings shall also be maintained. (4) The holder of a production lease shall keep the following, namely:— (a) a key plan on a scale of 1:50,000 incorporating the following, namely:— (i) a map showing the boundary of the production lease, and the adjoining area lying preferably within ten kilometres thereof; (ii) shoreline and coastal land marks with contours at not more than five metres intervals; (iii) places of historical and archaeological importance; (iv) protected areas including, marine national parks, marine sanctuaries or any other area, as may be notified by the Central Government; (v) telecommunication cables, offshore wind turbine generators, offshore power substations, offshore oil platform or pipelines, underwater archaeological sites, defence installations or any adjacent port area; (vi) recognised sea lanes for the purposes of navigation; and (vii) any other relevant features: Provided that where bathymetry chart is classified as restricted, the particulars referred to in sub-clauses (i) to (vii) shall be incorporated in the key plan to the extent available; (b) an environment plan of the area of production lease inclusive of the adjoining area within one hundred metres of the boundary of a lease area on 1: 5,000 scale incorporating the following: (i) a map showing the boundary of the production lease; (ii) contour lines at five metres intervals; (iii) all features indicated in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of clause (a); (iv) area occupied by mine workings, area covered by dump with the height of the dump, permanent installations (if any), processing plant; (v) area for which steps and measures for enabling the natural rehabilitation of the seabed affected by production operations have been undertaken; (vi)any other relevant features. (5) The competent authority may, by an order in writing, require such additional details to be shown on the maps, sections and profiles required to be kept under these rules or the preparation and maintenance of such maps, sections and profiles showing such details and on such scale and within such time as he may specify in the order. (6) The competent authority may, by an order in writing, require the holder of a production lease to provide him within such time, such maps, sections and profiles thereof, as he may specify in the order. 32. Copies of maps, sections and profiles to be submitted.– The holder of a production lease shall, on or before the 30th day of June every year submit to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, administering authority and the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India, a digital copy along with a print copy of the geological maps, sections and profiles maintained under rule 31 along with the annual return. 33. Preparation of maps.– (1) All digitally prepared maps, sections and profiles and print copies thereof kept at the vessel or installation in the lease area wherein production operations are being carried out and shall be suitably indexed. (2) All maps, sections and profiles shall be prepared by using Differential Global Positioning System or as may be specified in this regard by the Indian Bureau of Mines. (3) Every map, section and profile prepared under these rules shall carry thereon a certificate for its correctness and shall be signed by the mining engineer and geologist with date. (4) Every copy of a map, section and profile submitted or maintained under these rules shall bear a reference to the original map, section and profile from which it was copied and shall be certified thereon by the holder of the production lease to be a true copy of the original plan, section and profile. CHAPTER V SAFETY MEASURES 34. Establishment of no-mining barrier zone.– (1) A no-mining barrier zone measuring 7.5 seconds shall be kept all along the boundaries of the licence area and the lease area and the licensee or lessee shall not carry out any exploration operations or productions operations within this zone, as the case may be, so as to provide a 15 seconds barrier between two adjacent mineral blocks within the offshore area to ensure safe operations. (2) In order to protect the maritime activities near the seashore, the holder of a production lease shall neither carry out any production operations nor release waste material within a distance of one nautical mile from the low tide line of the seashore. 35. Safety in respect of vessels.– The licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall ensure at all times that— (a) all vessels, platform, installation or any other infrastructure deployed or to be deployed for exploration operations or production operations are in good repair, in a safe and sound condition, adequately manned and comply with rule 36; (b) all such vessels, platform, installation or any other infrastructure deployed or to be deployed shall have an appropriate class designation and remain in class for the duration of such operations. 36. Compliance with laws, customs and international treaties.– (1) The licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall ensure compliance with Indian laws and regulations, laws and customs governing the High Seas and international conventions or treaties to which India is a party including those applicable for the safety of life at sea, prevention of collisions at sea, protection of navigation, aircraft, fishing and fisheries, and treatment of crew members, as well as any applicable rules, regulations, procedures and standards adopted from time to time. (2) The licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall provide copies of valid certificates required under applicable international shipping conventions to the administering authority or any other authorised officer upon such request. 37. Safety of personnel.– The licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall ensure that— (a) all of its personnel, before assuming their duties, have the necessary experience, training and qualifications and are able to conduct their duties safely, competently and in compliance with the applicable rules; (b) an occupational health, safety and environmental awareness plan is put in place to inform all personnel engaged in exploration operations or production operations about the occupational and environmental risks which may result from their work and the manner in which such risks are to be dealt with; and (c) records of the experience, training and qualifications of all of its personnel are kept and made available to the administering authority or any other authorised officer upon such request. 38. Emergency preparedness and safety plan.– The Controller General shall issue such further directions as may be required on emergency preparedness, safety measures and any other measure to be implemented by the holder of an operating right. CHAPTER VI MARINE ENVIRONMENT 39. Sustainable mining.– (1) Every holder of an operating right shall take all possible precautions for undertaking sustainable mining while conducting exploration operations, production operations or beneficiation in the licence area or lease area, as the case may be. (2) Every holder of a production lease shall monitor his production operations and allied activities as per the template of star rating in the format specified in this behalf by the Indian Bureau of Mines from time to time, and shall submit online its self-assessment report before the 1st day of July every year for the previous financial year, to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines: (3) The confirmation of the star rating may be done by the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines through inspection. 40. Precaution against turbidity and sedimentation.– Every holder of an operating right shall carry out the exploration operations or production operations, as the case may be, in a manner that minimum disturbance is caused to the seabed and turbidity is maintained within permissible limits, as specified by concerned authority of the Central Government. 41. Precaution against air pollution.– Every holder of composite licence or a production lease shall take all possible measure to keep air pollution due to smoke, emissions (gaseous and particulate), during exploration operations, production operations or beneficiation and related activities within permissible limits. 42. Systematic disposal of toxic solid and liquid waste.– (1) Every holder of an operating right shall take appropriate steps and measures as specified by the Central Government, from time to time, to ensure systematic disposal of solid or liquid waste, including hazardous waste, arising out of exploration operations, production operations, beneficiation or processing operations within the licence area or lease area, as the case may be. (2) If the wastes including hazardous wastes generated during exploration operations or production operations can be used economically for construction and other purposes, it may be transported from the licence area or lease area as the case may be, on payment of royalty as specified in the First Schedule of the Act: Provided that in the event such hazardous waste is required to be dumped, either onshore or offshore as a means of disposal, the holder of the operating right shall take all necessary steps and measures, as may be specified by the Central Government from time to time, to dispose such wastes including hazardous wastes arising out of exploration operations or production operations. (3) Every holder of an operating right shall take all necessary precautions to prevent discharge of toxic and objectionable liquid effluents in the offshore areas, especially where beneficiation plant, workshop or any such other facilities are developed within the offshore areas and such effluents should be suitably treated before discharging into sea, if required, to conform to the standards laid down by the Central Government, from time to time, in this regard. 43. Precaution against noise.– The holder of composite licence or a production lease shall take all possible measures to control or abate noise arising out of exploration operations, production operations, or beneficiation at the source so as to keep it within the permissible limits. 44. Permissible limits and standards.– The standards and permissible limits of all pollutants, toxins and noise referred to in rules 40, 41, 42, 43 and 45 shall be such as may be notified by the concerned authorities under the provisions of the relevant laws for the time being in force. 45. Protection of marine environment, flora and fauna.– (1) Every holder of composite licence or a production lease shall carry out exploration operations or production operations, as the case may be, in accordance with applicable laws, international conventions and treaties to which India is a party, and the laws and customs governing the High Seas including those relevant to environmental protection, pollution control and hazardous wastes in such a manner so as to cause least damage to the marine environment, flora and fauna of the area held under composite licence or production lease and the nearby areas. (2) Every holder of an operating right shall at all times take all necessary precautions and measures as specified by the Central Government from time to time for— (a) preventing pollution of offshore environment; (b) enabling protection of marine environment and living resources especially fishery resources while carrying out exploration operations or production operations. (3) The holder of an operating right shall immediately inform the administering authority or authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, in writing about occurrence of any incident which causes or may cause serious harm to the marine environment and the marine life and other marine resources. (4) The holder of an operating right shall inform the administering authority, Indian Coast Guard or any other authority as may be specified, in writing about the measures taken for preservation and protection of the maritime environment and for prevention and control of marine pollution. 46. Precaution against damage to object of archeological or historical nature.– The licensee or lessee, as the case may be, shall immediately inform the administering authority or authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, about findings of an object of archeological or historical nature, shipwrecks and its location in the offshore area and such authority shall transmit such information to the Archeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture or Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, as the case may be. 47. Emergency orders to safeguard against harm to marine environment.– The administering authority or authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, shall make emergency orders in the following cases, namely:— (a) when such authority has been informed by a licensee or lessee or has become aware of an incident otherwise resulting from or caused by a contractor’s activity in an area that has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to the marine environment, such authority shall issue a general notification, direction or order of the incidents, in writing to the licensee or lessee; (b) such authority shall take such immediate measure of temporary nature as are practicable and reasonable in the circumstances, to prevent, contain and minimise any serious harm to the marine environment and duration for measure of temporary nature shall be highlighted in this direction; (c) if the licensee or lessee does not promptly comply with an emergency order or direction relating to marine environment arising out of the activities in the area, such authority shall take by itself or through arrangement with others on his behalf such practical measures as are necessary to prevent contain and minimise any serious harm to the marine environment. CHAPTER VII NOTICES AND RETURNS 48. Monthly and annual returns.–(1) The Government, or a Government company, or a corporation selected for grant of a production lease under section 8 or holder of an operating right, as the case may be, shall cause himself to be registered online on the portal provided by Indian Bureau of Mines as per application specified in Form-F of the First Schedule and the registration number so allotted by the Indian Bureau of Mines shall be used for all purposes of online reporting and correspondence connected therewith: Provided that if the Government, or a Government company, or a corporation selected for grant of a production lease under section 8 or holder of an operating right has previously registered on the online portal provided by the Indian Bureau of Mines in accordance with the provisions of rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 made under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957), such person shall not be required to separately register under this sub-rule subject to updation of their existing registration on such online portal. (2) Any person or company engaged in trading or storage or end-use or export or import of minerals obtained from offshore areas in accordance with the Act:— (a) shall cause himself to be registered online or update his existing registration, as the case may be, on the portal provided by the Indian Bureau of Mines in accordance with the provisions of rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 made under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957); (b) shall submit online to the relevant authority the returns in electronic form digitally signed, in the manner as specified in rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 made under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957); (c) if such person or company submits incomplete or wrong or false information in monthly or annual returns or fails to submit a return within the date specified, then such action or inaction of such person or company shall be regulated by the State Government in the manner as specified in rule 45 of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 made under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957) and to that extent the administering authority shall have the right to make recommendations to such State Government regarding the regulation of such person or company. (3) The holder of production lease shall submit online returns in respect of each mine to the Regional Controller and the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines in the following manner, namely:— (a) a monthly return which shall be submitted before the tenth day of every month in respect of the preceding month in electronic form digitally signed, in Form-G of the First Schedule; and (b) an annual return which shall be submitted before the 1st day of July each year for the preceding financial year in electronic form digitally signed, in Form-H of the First Schedule: Provided that in the case of abandonment of a mine, the annual return shall be submitted within ninety days from the date of abandonment. (4) If it is found that the holder of a production lease has submitted incomplete or wrong or false information in monthly or annual returns or fails to submit a return within the date specified; then the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the administering authority may:— (i) order suspension of all production operations and dispatches in the mine and revoke the order of suspension only after ensuring proper compliance; (ii) take action to initiate prosecution under these rules; (iii) recommend termination of the production lease in case such suppression or misrepresentation of information indicates abetment or connivance of illegal mining. (5) (i) before taking any action specified under sub-rule (4), the authorised officer, shall issue a show cause notice to the holder of a production lease informing about the violation made under sub-rule (4) and asking reasons as to why action under sub-rule (4) shall not be taken against such holder and shall give thirty days’ time for reply and rectification of the violation stated in such notice; (ii) if such holder of an operating right— (a) rectifies the violation stated in the show cause notice and deposit within the said period of thirty days, such amount as specified in the Second Schedule for the period from due date of submission of return till the date of rectification of violation, no further action shall be taken; (b) does not provide satisfactory reply or rectify the violation within the said period of thirty days, the production operations and dispatches may be suspended and any action under sub-rule (4) may be initiated; (iii) the suspension of production operations may be revoked only after the rectification of violation as indicated in the violation-cum-show cause notice and after deposition of such amount as specified in the Second Schedule for the period from due date of submission of return till the date of rectification of violation. (6) For reporting of monthly and annual return by the holder of a production lease, the terms sale value and ex-mine price shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under Chapter VII of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024. (7) If more than one mineral is produced from the same mine, return shall be submitted along with the relevant parts of the specified forms for each mineral separately. (8) In case of temporary discontinuance of production operations, or suspension of production operations, the holder of a production lease, shall submit return in the specified form for the mineral for which return had been submitted earlier and furnish relevant particulars, inclusive of Nil information, if any. (9) In case ownership of the mine changes during the reference period, separate returns shall be filed by each owner for the respective periods of ownership. 49. Notice of certain appointments.– The holder of the composite licence or the production lease shall,— (a) when any new appointment of an agent, mining engineer, geologist, or any person is made under sub-rule (1) of rule 53; or (b) when the employment of any such person is terminated or any such person leaves the said employment; or (c) when any change occurs in the address of any such person, within fifteen days from the date of such appointment, termination, leaving or change in address, give a notice in Form-I of the First Schedule to the authorised officer the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be. 50. Notice of certain events.– Without prejudice to the provisions of the Act or any rules made thereunder or the terms and conditions of an operating right, every holder of such operating right shall immediately inform the administering authority, authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy and other concerned authorities, upon occurrence of any of the following events: (a) fatality of a person; or (b) missing person; or (c) medical evacuation; or (d) fire or explosion resulting in an injury or major damage or impairment; or (e) collision resulting in an injury or major damage or impairment; or (f) accident causing loss of life or serious bodily injury in connection with offshore operation; or (g) explosion; or (h) blowout; or (i) major fire; or (j) bursting of any pipeline or equipment, piping containing steam, compressed air or other substance whereby safety of persons is likely to be endangered; or (k) breakage or facture or failure of any structure, equipment or system, whereby safety of persons is likely to be endangered; or (l) any accident due to explosives or radio-active substances; or (m) a collision of a helicopter or vessel with the installation; or (n) a helicopter crash; or (o) man-overboard; or (p) release of toxic and harmful substances whereby safety of persons, installation or marine environment is likely to be endangered; or (q) an uncontrolled movement of vessel or object in sea whereby safety of persons onboard the offshore installation or the installation itself could be endangered; or (r) any person present onboard an offshore installation or attending vessel or helicopter is found to be missing; or (s) significant leak of hazardous substance; or (t) unauthorised mining discharge; or (u) adverse environmental conditions with likely significant safety and/or environmental consequences; or (v) significant threat or breach of security; or (w) implementation of emergency response and contingency plan; or (x) major impairment or damage compromising the ongoing integrity or emergency preparedness of an installation or vessel; or (y) impairment or damage to safety or environmentally critical equipment; or (z) significant contact with fishing gear; or (za) contact with submarine pipelines or cables; or (zb) damage to the structure for mariculture activities and artificial reefs; or (zc) any other event as may be specified. 51. Transfer of records to transferees.– When the ownership of a composite licence or a production lease is transferred as per provisions of the Act or any rules made there under, the previous owner or his agent shall make over to the new owner or his agent within a period of seven days of the transfer of the ownership, borehole cores along with records and samples preserved, if any, all maps, sections, profiles, reports, registers and other records maintained in pursuance of the Act, rules or orders made there under, and all correspondence relevant thereto relating to the composite licence or production lease; and when the requirements of these rules have been duly complied with, both previous and the new owners or their respective agents shall forthwith send to the administering authority and the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, a detailed list of borehole cores, maps, sections, profiles, reports, registers and other records that have been transferred. 52. Copies of notices and returns and reports to be maintained.– The holder of a production lease or a holder of a composite licence shall maintain the labour attendance register, production and dispatch register, royalty assessment register, containing— (a) details of contribution made to the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust and International Seabed Authority; (b) details of payments made to the Central Government in terms of auction premium; (c) details of expenditure incurred towards the mine closure activities, bore hole logs along with the chemical analysis reports, mineral analysis reports, sub-grade or mineral reject register along with the grade; and (d) details of mining machinery and copies of all notices and returns, maps, sections, profiles and schemes submitted to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines or the administering authority or the Regional Controller under these rules, at an office established in the area where production or exploration operations are carried on or at the local office as specified under rule 63 and these shall be made available at all reasonable times to the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines or the administering authority or the Regional Controller, as the case may be, for inspection. CHAPTER VIII EMPLOYMENT OF GEOLOGISTS AND MINING ENGINEERS 53. Employment of geologists and mining engineers.– (1) For the purpose of carrying out exploration operations or production operations in accordance with these rules,— (a) every holder of composite licence shall employ a whole-time geologist; (b) every holder of a production lease shall employ a whole-time mining engineer and a whole-time geologist. (2) Notice of such appointment or termination shall be intimated in the monthly and annual return to be submitted under rule 48. (3) A geologist or mining engineer employed by the holder of a composite licence or production lease shall possess the qualifications specified below, namely:— (a) geologist: A postgraduate degree in Geology or Applied Geology or Geophysics or Marine Geology or any equivalent qualification granted by a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, or a State Act, in India or educational Institution established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed university under the University Grants Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) or any equivalent qualification granted by any University or institution outside India and recognised by Government of India; (b) mining engineer: A degree in Mining Engineering or any equivalent qualification granted by a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, including any institution recognised by the University Grants Commission established under section 4 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) or any equivalent qualification granted by any University or institution outside India and recognised by Government of India. 54. Duties of geologist.– (1) It shall be the duty of the geologist to conduct exploration operations or production operations in accordance with the provisions of these rules. (2) The geologist referred to in rule 53 shall – (a) be responsible for periodic updating of minerals resources, maintenance of borehole cores or samples and borehole logs; (b) plan for conservation of mineral resources and optimal utilisation of the minerals and ores in the licence area or lease area; (c) work in accordance with the approved exploration plan or production plan and carry out the investigation operation as per such plan; (d) prepare the necessary geological maps, sections and profiles which are required to delineate the ore body; (e) carry out petrological and mineralogical studies of mineralised zones; (f) calculate ore resources and reserves and its grade; (g) be responsible for providing all the necessary information required for controlling the quality or grade of the minerals produced; (h) maintain proper records of the exploration operations, production operations and records of boreholes as provided under these rules; (i) work out the appropriate method of sampling and ensure preparation of samples accordingly; (j) maintain all technical data for determining the shape and size of each mineralised zone; (k) update the resource and reserve figures, grade-wise and category-wise, standard block- wise at the end of every year in case of a working mine; (l) identify the associated minerals and maintain proper records of the stacks of non-saleable or sub-grade ores and minerals produced; (m) carry out all such orders and directions as may be given in writing under these rules by the Controller General or the authorised officer of the administering authority and shall forward a copy of all such orders or directions to the holder of the composite licence or production lease, as the case may be. 55. Duties of mining engineer.– (1) It shall be the duty of the mining engineer to take all necessary steps to plan and conduct production operations so as to ensure conservation of minerals, systematic development of the mineral deposits and protection of environment in and around the lease area in accordance with these rules. (2) The mining engineer shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of plans, sections, reports and schemes in accordance with these rules. (3) The mining engineer shall be responsible for carrying out the study of the associated rocks and minerals, identifying them and storing the various minerals produced separately. (4) The mining engineer shall also carry out all such orders and directions as may be given in writing under these rules by the administering authority or the Controller General or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines and shall forward a copy of such orders or directions to the holder of composite licence or the production lease, as the case may be. (5) The mining engineer shall ensure that there is sufficient provision of proper materials, appliances and facilities at all times at the mine for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of these rules and orders issued thereunder and where he is not the holder of the production lease, he shall make requisition in writing to the holder of such production lease for anything required for the aforesaid purpose. (6) A copy of every requisition referred to in sub-rule (5) shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and on receipt of such a requisition, the holder of the production lease shall provide as soon as possible the materials and facilities requisitioned by the mining engineer. CHAPTER IX EXAMINATION OF MINERALS AND ISSUE OF DIRECTIVES 56. Power to issue directions.– (1) The holder of an operating right shall comply with such directions providing for systematic development of mineral deposits, conservation of minerals and for sustainable mining as the Controller General or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, may issue from time to time. (2) A copy of the proposed directions to be issued to any particular mine shall be sent by the Controller General or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, to the holder of an operating right and to the administering authority and any comments received from the holder of such operating right and the administering authority within thirty days of the date of service of the notice, shall be duly considered by him before issuing any such directions. (3) General directions applicable to a mine shall be issued by the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, with the previous approval of the Central Government in consultation with the administering authority. 57. Examination of mineral deposits and taking of samples.– The authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines may examine any mineral deposit in any area under composite licence or production lease and take samples therefrom at any time for the purposes of these rules. 58. Prohibition of deployment in certain cases.– If any mine or part thereof, which in the opinion of the Chief Controller of Mines or the Controller of Mines or the Regional Controller poses a grave and immediate threat to the conservation of minerals or to marine environment or to the sustainable development of the mine, he may, by an order in writing to the holder of an operating right, require him to take such measures as may be specified in the order and may prohibit, until the requirements as specified in the order are complied with to his satisfaction, the deployment of any person other than those required for compliance with the requirement of the order. CHAPTER X APPEAL AND PENALTY 59. Appeal.– Any person aggrieved by any order made by any officer in exercise of the powers conferred under these rules may, within three months of the date of communication of the order to him prefer an appeal to the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XI of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024: Provided that any such appeal may be entertained after the said period of three months if the appellant satisfies the Central Government that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within time. 60. Penalty.– (1) Without prejudice to anything contained in the Act, any contravention of rules 6, 7, sub-rule (1) of rule 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, sub-rule (1) of rule 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 31 to 46, 48, 50, 51, 52, 56, 58, 62, 63, 67 and 74 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine of fifty lakhs rupees, which may extend to one crore rupees, or with both, and in the case of a continuing contravention, with additional fine which may extend to five lakh rupees for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention. (2) Without prejudice to anything contained in the Act, any contravention of rules sub-rule (2) of rule 18, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 49 and 53 shall be punishable with fine for an amount as specified in the Third Schedule. (3) Any offence punishable under these rules may either before or after the institution of the prosecution, be compounded by the person authorised under section 30 of the Act to make a complaint to the court with respect to that offence, on payment to that person, for credit to the Government, of such sum specified in this regard by the Controller General or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, in respect of minerals having grade equal to or greater than the threshold value in respect of atomic minerals, as the case may be: Provided that in case of an offence punishable with fine only, such sum shall not exceed the maximum amount of fine which may be imposed for that offence: Provided further that where an offence is compounded under these rules, no proceeding or further proceeding, as the case may be, shall be made against the offender in respect of the offence so compounded, and the offender, if in custody, shall be released forthwith. CHAPTER XI MISCELLANEOUS 61. Suspension of operations.– (1) The administering authority may, if it considers that adequate reasons have been furnished, authorise for periods not on any occasion exceeding six months, suspension of operations relating to composite licence or production lease. (2) The administering authority may, if it authorises suspension as aforesaid, impose such conditions as it may think fit for protection of exploration operations or production operations or for protection of mineral resources or for any other purpose whatsoever, the licensee or the lessee shall comply with such conditions as if, they are incorporated in the composite licence or the production lease: Provided that administering authority may revoke suspension of operations relating to composite licence or production lease under sub-rule (1) if it is satisfied that the reasons for such suspension cease to exist or the licensee or lessee, as the case may be, has satisfied such conditions as may be stipulated by the administering authority. 62. Preservation of cores, etc.– (1) Every holder of an operating right and every agency authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 shall preserve and keep intact, until submission of the final geological report, all cores and specimens of different types of sediments, rocks, minerals and encrustations, obtained during drilling operations and shall arrange for them to be laid out in a serial order with identification marks, showing the progressive depth at which they are obtained. (2) The administering authority or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines, as the case may be, may, by an order in writing, require the holder of the operating right or the agency authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 to preserve the cores or specimens of sediments, rocks, minerals and encrustations, obtained from specific boreholes or drilling in a specific manner or for any specific period or relax the provisions of this rule to such an extent as they may deem fit. (3) No cores or samples generated and preserved as per sub-rules (1) and (2) shall be destroyed without the prior permission in writing from the Chief Controller of Mines or the administering authority, as the case may be. (4) The Geological Survey of India shall be the nodal agency for archiving drill cores at the National Core Repository and at the Regional Drill Core Repositories with suitable indexing and cataloguing. (5) The Regional Drill Core Repositories shall function as satellites of the National Core Repository. (6) The holder of an operating right or any other agency authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 shall adhere to the procedure for preservation and submission of cores as provided in the manual prepared by the Geological Survey of India from time to time and shall preserve the identified borehole cores to be collected by the Geological Survey of India, after completion of all the required studies at the time of submission of the final geological report. 63. Maintenance of local office and designation of nodal officer.– (1) The holder of the operating right shall have a local office in the onshore coastal area near to its lease area or licence area, as the case may be, to maintain record of all documents, filings, reports, data, returns and any other information required to be submitted or maintained by such holder of operating rights under the Act and the rules. (2) The holder of the operating right shall designate any person under its employment as a nodal officer to be in charge of such local office. 64. Facilities for undertaking research or training.– Every holder of a composite licence or production lease shall provide all facilities for onboard training of Government staff or institutions and shall permit researchers or students of mining, geological and mineral processing institutions approved by the Central Government or the State Government to conduct research or acquire practical training of the mines and plants operated by them and provide all necessary facilities required for such training. 65. Submission of records or reports regarding research in geology or mining or marine science.– (1) Any person, institution or agency carrying on exploration operations or production operations related to any research in geology or mining or marine science or mineral beneficiation, shall inform the administering authority, Controller General or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, within a period of thirty days of commencement of such research related operations, indicating briefly the aspects proposed to be covered under such research together with the name and address of the person, institution, or agency carrying out such research work and the expected duration of the research related operations. (2) On completion of the said research work, a report describing the observations, analysis and conclusions reached as a result of the said research work shall be submitted to the Director General, Geological Survey of India for geology and marine science related research and to the administering authority, Chief Controller of Mines or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, for mining research within thirty days of its completion. (3) The authorities referred to in sub-rule (2) shall keep the information provided in the receipt confidential, and if required, the concerned authorities may utilise the said information for general studies, planning or policy making purpose. (4) The provisions of sub-rules (1) and (2) shall also apply mutatis mutandis to any agency of the Central Government or State Government carrying out the research work. 66. Territorial jurisdiction of Controller of Mines and Regional Controller.– The Controller General may by a notification in the Official Gazette, specify the limits of the territorial jurisdiction of the Controller of Mines and the Regional Controller for purposes of these rules. 67. Obligation to supply other information.– The holder of an operating right shall furnish such information regarding his exploration operations or production operations or any matter connected therewith as the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines may require by an order in writing and the information shall be furnished within such time as may be specified in the such order. 68. Provisions of these rules to be applicable to authorised agencies.– The agencies authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 carrying out exploration operations without a composite licence shall be bound by all the provisions of these rules in the same manner as they are applicable to holders of composite licence. 69. Exercise of powers.– (1) Any power granted under these rules to the Regional Controller may be exercised by the Controller of Mines. (2) The powers granted to the Controller of Mines can be exercised by Chief Controller of Mines and the powers granted to the Chief Controller of Mines can be exercised by the Controller General. (3) Any power granted under these rules to an authorised officer of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research may be exercised by the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research. 70. Saving of Act 33 of 1962.– Nothing in these rules shall affect the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) and the rules made thereunder, in respect of minerals specified in Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957). 71. Review of format, templates, returns and manuals.– The Controller General or the Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, may revise or update, at such interval as considered appropriate, after consultation with stakeholders, the formats of the exploration plan, production plan, final mine closure plan and the templates for returns and star rating of mines provided by it. 72. Day of completion of any requirement.– When the day of completion of any requirement under these rules is falling due on a public holiday, the day of completion shall be deemed to be due on the next working day. Explanation.–For the purposes of these rules, the expression “public holiday” includes Saturday, Sunday and any other day declared to be a public holiday by the Central Government. CHAPTER XII OFFSHORE MINING REGULATION SYSTEM 73. Offshore mining regulation web portal.– (1) The Indian Bureau of Mines, shall prepare an offshore mining regulation web portal, for implementation and compliance of the provisions of these rules. (2) All aspects of regulatory functions being undertaken by the Indian Bureau of Mines or the administering authority or the authorised officer of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, as the case may be, for implementation and compliance of the provisions of these rules shall be recorded in standard process sheets or templates developed for these purposes, and the information in this regard shall be made available on the portal referred to in sub-rule(1): Provided that access to the commercial information provided in the said web portal shall be so regulated that the information is accessible only by the holder of the operating right concerned, the Controller General, the Central Government, the administering authority, the authorised officer and the administrator of the web portal. 74. Electronic Monitoring System.– (1) The holder of an operating right shall deploy an electronic monitoring system, as specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines, which shall be capable of automatically recording all relevant data relating to exploration operations and production operations, as specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines, including but not limited to accurate tracking of vessels, monitoring of operations in offshore areas and recording of video feed for such operations. (2) All such data collected under sub-rule (1) shall be furnished to the Indian Bureau of Mines in a manner as may be specified by the Indian Bureau of Mines. THE FIRST SCHEDULE FORM-A (See rule 11) (Notice of intimation of commencement of reconnaissance and exploration operations) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. This Form, duly filled in must reach the concerned authorities as prescribed within the rule, by online or Email: (a) For commencement of exploration operations and reconnaissance operations, at least two months in advance about the commencement of exploration operations. (b) For publishing on navigational charts and issue of NAVAREA warning for safety of mariners and local fishermen at sea, at least fifteen days before commencing reconnaissance operations and exploration operations. ii. This should also be sent to the Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the operating right falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. iii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned person. +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 1. | Type of Operating Rights/Operation | Check which is applicable | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Composite Licence | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Exploration Operation | | | | (only applicable to agencies authorised under the | | | | proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Reconnaissance Operations | | | | (only applicable to agencies authorised under the | | | | proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 2. | IBM Registration Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 3. | Unique IBM Operating Right Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Composite Licence | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Exploration Operation/ Reconnaissance | | | | Operations number (only applicable to agencies | | | | authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of | | | | section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 4. | Name of the mineral or minerals for which | (Information will be system | | | reconnaissance operations or exploration | generated. Linked with Entry | | | operations will be undertaken or for which | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | | | composite licence has been granted | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 5. | Name and address of the licensee or agencies | (Information will be system | | | authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of | generated. Linked with Entry | | | section 5 | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 6. | Particulars of Operating Right: | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 7. | Location of the licence area/ exploration area/ | (Information will be system | | | reconnaissance area | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 8. | Particulars of Geologist and Mining Engineer | | | | employed for the licence area/ exploration area/ | | | | reconnaissance area | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Name and address | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) E-mail address | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Phone Number and Mobile Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Qualification | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Date of Appointment | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 9. | Particulars of vessel to be deployed | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Name of vessel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Dimensions: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Draft of the vessel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Call sign: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Country of registration: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (f) Year of registration: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (g) Whether all certificates are valid; if so, provide | | | | particulars of the certificates with date of validity: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (h) Whether all required clearances have been obtained | | | | for the vessel and personnel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Particulars of crew onboard: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (j) List of scientific equipment and machinery onboard: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (k) Details of technical people onboard to operate | | | | scientific equipment: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (l) Period for which the vessel will be deployed | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 10. | Other details | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) period of deployment of vessels, platform, | | | | installation or any other infrastructure in the licence | | | | area for undertaking such operations; and | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) geographical coordinates of licence area where | | | | such operations are to be carried out. | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 11. | Date of commencement of exploration operations/ | | | | reconnaissance operations | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer FORM-B [See rules 13(1), 13(3), 13(4)] (Progress Update Report of the Exploration Operations carried out for the quarter/ year……….) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. This Form, duly filled in must reach the concerned authorities as prescribed within the rule, by online or Email: (1) For holder of composite licence: (a) within thirty days after the close of quarter in case of quarterly progress update report; (b) within sixty days after the close of the year in case of yearly progress update report; (c) within the period of thirty days from the date of abandonment of exploration operations. (2) For agencies authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5: (a) within sixty days after expiration of every twelve months from the date of commencement of reconnaissance operations or exploration operations in case of yearly progress update report; (b) within the period of thirty days from the date of abandonment of reconnaissance operations or exploration operations. ii. This should also be sent to Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the operating right falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. iii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned person. +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 1. | Type of Operating Rights/Operation | Check which is applicable | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Composite Licence | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Exploration Operation | | | | (only applicable to agencies authorised under the | | | | proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Reconnaissance Operations | | | | (only applicable to agencies authorised under the | | | | proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 2. | IBM Registration Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 3. | Unique IBM Operating Right Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Composite Licence | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Exploration Operation/ Reconnaissance | | | | Operations number (only applicable to agencies | | | | authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of | | | | section 5) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 4. | Name of the mineral or minerals for which | (Information will be system | | | reconnaissance operations or exploration | generated. Linked with Entry | | | operations will be undertaken or for which | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | | | composite licence has been granted | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 5. | Name and address of the licensee or agencies | (Information will be system | | | authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of | generated. Linked with Entry | | | section 5 | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 6. | Particulars of Operating Right: | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 7. | Location of the licence area/ exploration area/ | (Information will be system | | | reconnaissance area | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 6 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 8. | Status of reconnaissance/exploration operations | | | | (Please tick-mark the boxes whichever is applicable) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) In Progress | Mention start date and end | | | | date | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Completed | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Abandoned | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 9. | If reconnaissance/exploration operation is | | | | completed or abandoned, date of such completion | | | | or abandonment | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 10. | Total offshore area covered by | | | | reconnaissance/exploration work (in latitude and | | | | longitude and in number of standard blocks) as on | | | | date | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 11. | Reconnaissance/ Exploration work done | | | | (A brief description of the work involved along with | | | | particulars of the vessels, implements, platform, | | | | installations, engines, machines, instruments and any | | | | other infrastructure used would be given against each | | | | of the following items) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Regional Survey | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Detailed survey | | | | Latitude and longitude, height and depth of submerged | | | | installations, structure (shape and colour), including | | | | photographs, details & characteristics of lighted | | | | objects, details of top marks/radar transmitter installed, | | | | if any | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 12. | Seabed Mapping including area covered and scale | | | | of presentation | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Seabed Mapping | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Bathymetry | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Sub-bottom profiling | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iii) Multibeam bathymetry | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iv) Side-scan sonar survey | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (v) Any other | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Geophysical survey | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Seismic survey | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Any other | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Geotechnical investigations | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Marine environmental studies | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Geochemical | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (f) Geological sub-sampling: Number, area of | | | | influence, interval meterage and sampling | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (g) Nature and structure of the ore body | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (h) Analysis of the ores or minerals | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 13. | Completion of reconnaissance/ exploration work | | | | during the year | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | (a) Seabed samples | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Number of grab samples | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Seabed Core Sampling | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Number of Gravity / Vibro cores | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Length (metres) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | Average: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | Maximum: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | Minimum: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | (c) Drilling | During the quarter | Till Date | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Number of boreholes completed | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Meterage drilled (metres) | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | (d) Particulars of drilling machines | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | Type | Make | Capacity | Number of drills | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | (e) Exploratory mining, if any | During the quarter | Till Date | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Number of dredgers | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Total area dredged (sq. kms) | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iii) Quantity of ore produced with | | | | | grade | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | (f) Number of samples analysed | During the quarter | Till Date | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Number of samples analysed | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Number of main constituent | | | | | (please specify) (Chemical) | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iii) Number of complete analysis | | | | | (Chemical/Atomic Absorption | | | | | Spectroscopy) | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iv) Number of sedimentological | | | | | studies | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (v) Number of Petrography/ | | | | | Petrological studies/ Mineralogical | | | | | studies | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (vi) Number of geotechnical properties | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 15. | Number of personnel employed in the licence area/ exploration area/ reconnaissance | | | | | | area: | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | Indian national | Foreign National | Total | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | Male | Female | Male | Female | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Company personnel | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Contract personnel | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Total | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | 16. | If abandoned | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Date of abandonment | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Reasons for abandonment | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ Note: Please enclose a yearly geological report in accordance with format as specified in Offshore Areas (Existence of Mineral Resources) Rules, 2024 describing the reconnaissance operations or exploration operations undertaken. Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer FORM-C [See rules 23 and 29) (Notice of intimation of commencement of production operations of mine / reopening of mine) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. This Form, duly filled in must reach the concerned authorities as prescribed within the rule, by online or Email: (a) For commencement of production operations of mine, at least two months in advance of the commencement of production operations of mine; or (b) For publishing on navigational charts and issue of NAVAREA warning for safety of mariners and local fishermen at sea, at least fifteen days before commencing production operations. (c) For intimation of reopening of a mine, at least thirty days prior to reopening of mine. ii. This should also be sent to the Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the operating right falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. iii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned person. +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 1. | IBM Registration Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 2. | Production Lease Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 3. | Mine Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 4. | Name of mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 5. | Name and address of the lessee/owner | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 4 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 6. | Date of commencement of production operations of | | | | mine / reopening of mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 7. | In case of reopening, date of discontinuation | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 8. | Particulars of the Production Lease (PL) | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 9. | Location of the lease area | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 10. | Name and address of previous owner if any and the | | | | date of abandonment of Mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Name | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Address | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) E-mail | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Mobile no. | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Date of abandonment | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 11. | Name and address of Agent of Mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Name | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Address | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) E-mail | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Mobile no. | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 12. | Particulars of Mining Engineer employed in the mine | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 8 and 9 of Form ‘I’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 13. | Particulars of Geologist employed in the mine | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 8 and 9 of Form ‘I’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 14. | Particulars of Manager employed in the mine | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 8 and 9 of Form ‘I’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 15. | Particulars of vessel to be deployed | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Name of vessel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Dimensions: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Draft of the vessel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Call sign: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Country of registration: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (f) Year of registration: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (g) Whether all certificates are valid; if so, provide | | | | particulars of the certificates with date of validity: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (h) Whether all required clearances have been obtained | | | | for the vessel: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Particulars of crew onboard: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (j) List of scientific equipment and machinery onboard: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (k) Details of technical people onboard to operate | | | | scientific equipment: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (l) Period for which the vessel will be deployed: | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 16. | Other details | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) period of deployment of vessels, platform, installation | | | | or any other infrastructure in the lease area for | | | | undertaking such operations; and | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) geographical coordinates of lease area where such | | | | operations are to be carried out. | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 17. | Letter No. and date through which the production | | | | plan was approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer FORM-D [See rule 24(2)] (Notice of intention of abandonment of mine or part of the mine) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. This Form, duly filled in must reach the concerned authorities as prescribed within the rule, within ninety days before the intended date of abandonment, by online or Email. ii. This should also be sent to the Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the lease area falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. iii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned person. +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 1. | IBM Registration Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 2. | Production Lease Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 3. | Mine Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 4. | Name of mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 5. | Name and address of the lessee/owner | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 4 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 6. | Particulars of the Production Lease (PL) | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 7. | Location of the Production Lease | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 8. | Letter No. and date through which the Final Mine | | | | Closure plan was approved by the Indian Bureau of | | | | Mines | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 9. | Date of abandonment | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 10. | Reasons for abandonment: | [Please tick whichever is | | | | applicable] | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Lack of demand | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Exhaustion of ore/mineral | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Un-economic operations | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Other (Please specify) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 11. | Upto date Total Resources of Mineral(s) in lease area | | | | (in tonne) as per UNFC | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Mineral Reserve | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Proved Reserve (111) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Probable Reserve (121 and 122) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Remaining Resources | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (i) Feasibility Mineral Resources (211) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (ii) Pre-Feasibility Mineral Resources (221 and 222) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iii) Measured Mineral Resources (331) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (iv) Indicated Mineral Resources (332) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (v) Inferred Mineral Resources (333) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (vi) Reconnaissance Mineral Resources (334) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Total Resources (a + b) (tonnes) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 12. | Number of personnel employed in the mine | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | Indian national | Foreign National | Total | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | Male | Female | Male | Female | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Company personnel | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Contract personnel | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ | | Total | | | | | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------+-------------------------+------+---------------------+------------------------------+ Note: Please enclose maps, sections and profiles on a scale as specified in rule 30 setting forth accurately the work done in the mine up to the time of submission of the notice including the measures envisaged for the protection of the abandoned mine or part thereof, the approaches thereto and the environment. Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer FORM-E [See rule 28(1) and 28(2)] (Notice of temporary discontinuance of mine) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. This Form, duly filled in must reach the concerned authorities as prescribed within the rule, within one hundred and twenty days of temporary discontinuance of work in the mine, by online or Email. If the discontinuance is due to natural calamity beyond the control of the lessee or Government Orders, this notice shall be sent within fifteen days of such occurrence, by online or E-mail. ii. This should also be sent to the Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the lease area falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024. iii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned person. +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 1. | IBM Registration Number | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 2. | Production Lease Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 3. | Mine Code | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 4. | Name of mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 5. | Name and address of the lessee/owner | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 4 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 6. | Particulars of the Production Lease (PL) | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 7. | Location of the Production Lease | (Information will be system | | | | generated. Linked with Entry | | | | 5 of Form ‘F’.) | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 8. | Date of temporary discontinuance | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 9. | Reasons for temporary discontinuance | [Please tick whichever is | | | | applicable] | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (a) Lack of demand | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (b) Non-availability of labour | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (c) Rains/ Cyclone | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (d) Natural Calamity | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (e) Transport bottleneck | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (f) Strike/Lockout | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (g) Operations becoming un-economic | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | (h) Other reasons (specify) | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ | 10. | Probable date of re-opening of the mine | | +-----+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------+ Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer FORM-F [See rule 48(1)] (Application for registration under rule 48 for undertaking exploration operations or production operations) IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING THE FORM i. If there is any change after registration in any of the fields, the form may be updated accordingly and informed to the Controller General. ii. The form should be digitally signed by the concerned signing authority. 1. Type of applicant: (Please tick mark below) o The Government, or a Government company, or a Corporation o Holder of operating right o Agencies authorised under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 5 2. Category of applicant: (Please tick mark below) o Individual o Association of individuals o Firm o Company registered under Companies Act 3. Type of business/activity: (Please tick mark options given below, multiple options permitted) o Reconnaissance Operations o Exploration Operations o Production Operations 4. Details of the applicant: (Please tick mark: Government Company [ ] or Others [ ]) (a) In case of individual applicant (includes owner, agent, mining engineer or manager of every mine): (i) Name Shri / Smt. (First name) / (Middle name) / (Last name) (ii) Position in mine o Owner (please tick mark o Agent the option) o Mining engineer o Manager o Geologist (iii) Address (Door number/ building number/ plot number) Block (street number / block number) Taluka District State / U.T Pin code E-mail (iv) Telephone Office : Fax : Residence : Mobile (v) PAN number (vi) AADHAR number (vii) Passport number (b)In case of association of individuals: (i) Name of Association, or name of the Signing authority of association (ii) Address (Door number/ building number/ plot number) Block (street number / block number) Taluka District State / U.T Pin code E-mail (iii) Telephone Office : Fax : Residence : Mobile (iv) Details of Name PAN Aadhar Citizenship Passport number Associates number Number (v) Details of Name nominated owner Designation under section 76 Address of the Mines Act, Phone no Office: 1952 Residence: Mobile: E mail: PAN no. Passport no. (c) In case of a Firm: (i) Name of Firm (ii) Address (Door number/ building number/ plot number) Block (street number / block number) Taluka District State / U.T Pin code E-mail (iii) Telephone Office : Fax : Residence : Mobile (iv) Details of Name PAN Aadhar Citizenship Passport Directors in the number Number number Company (v) Registration number of Company (as registered under Companies Act, 2013) TAN No. TIN No. (e) State Licence Details (only for a State License Holder under clause (pa) of sub-section (2) of section 35 +------------+---------------------+------------+--------------------+-------------------+---------------+ | State | Area of | Date of | Valid | Issuing | Name of | | Licence | Business/District | Issue | upto(dd/mm/yyyy) | Authority | Minerals | | No. | | | | | | +------------+---------------------+------------+--------------------+-------------------+---------------+ | | | | | | | +------------+---------------------+------------+--------------------+-------------------+---------------+ | | | | | | | +------------+---------------------+------------+--------------------+-------------------+---------------+ | | | | | | | +------------+---------------------+------------+--------------------+-------------------+---------------+ 5. Please give details of mines held at the time of applying for registration if any, or update the information due to any changes after registration, by the Individual/ Association of Individuals / Firms or Company. +-------+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | Sl. | Name of the | Lease Code assigned by | Mine code assigned by | | No. | mine | IBM | IBM | +-------+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | +-------+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | +-------+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | +-------+---------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ Location of lease area Area held under composite licence (in latitude and longitude and in number of standard blocks) Name of Minerals Date of grant Date of execution of Exploration Licence Deed of Composite Licence +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | Unique | NHO | Area | Boundary | Coast/ | Offshore | Nearest | Water | | Number | Chart| in sq.| coordi- | Sea | Region | Coastal | depth (m) | | assigned| No | kms. | nates of | | | Location | | | by IBM | | | the block | | | | | | | | | (in Deci- | | | | | | | | | mal | | | | | | | | | degree) | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ | | | | | | | | | +--------+------+------+-----------+---------+----------+----------+------------+ 7. If engaged in production or manufacturing through a mineral based industry, please give details of mineral consumption or update the information due to any changes after registration. +-------+------------------------------------------+---------------------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ | Sr.No.| Location(s) of plant where mineral is used | Name of the | Mineral | Average | Remarks | | | | plant | consumed | consumption | | | | | | | per year | | +-------+------------------------------------------+---------------------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ | | Village | Taluka | District | State | Latitude | Longitude | | | | | | | | | | (ddmmss) | (ddmmss) | | | | +-------+---------+--------+----------+------------+----------+-----------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ | | | | | | | | | | | +-------+---------+--------+----------+------------+----------+-----------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ | | | | | | | | | | | +-------+---------+--------+----------+------------+----------+-----------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ | | | | | | | | | | | +-------+---------+--------+----------+------------+----------+-----------+-------------------+------------------------+---------+ VERIFICATION I, ------------------------ S/o / D/o / W/o ------------------------ age -------- occupation---------------- resident of ---------------- ----- village/town/city post office ------------------------ police station ----------------taluka------------------- district---------------------- state ------------------------certify that the information furnished above is complete and correct in all respects. Place: Signature: Date: Name in full: Not to be filled by the applicant (For internal use of the Indian Bureau of Mines) Registration Number assigned by IBM: FORM-G [See rule 48(3)(a))] For the month of __ 20 ____ MONTHLY RETURN [To be used for all minerals] To (i) The Regional Controller Indian Bureau of Mines _________Region, PIN: (Please address to Regional Controller in whose territorial jurisdiction the mine falls as notified from time to time by the Controller General under rule 66 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024). (ii) administering authority and (iii) Authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines PART – I (General and Labour) (information to be filled one-time while updating the profile) 1. Details of the Mine (a) Registration number allotted by Indian Bureau of Mines (to give registration number of the Lessee/ Owner) (b) Mine Code (allotted by Indian Bureau of Mines) (c) Name of the Mineral (d) Name of Mine (e) Name(s) of other mineral(s), if any, produced from the same mine (f) Mode of grant (Auction/ reservation): (g) Auction Premium (%) (h) Location of the Mine (a) NHO Chart No. (b) Area in sq. km. (c) Number of standard blocks included in the mineral block (d) Boundary coordinates of the block (in Decimal degree) (e) Coast/ Sea (f) Offshore Region (g) Nearest Coastal Location (h) Water depth (m) (i) Nearest Harbour/ Port 2. Name and address of Lessee/ Owner (along with fax no. and e-mail): (a) Name of Lessee/Owner (b) Address (c) District (d) State (e) PIN Code (f) Fax no: (g) E-mail: (h) Phone No: (i) Mobile: 3. Details of Rent/ Royalty/Auction Premium/ Fixed Rent/ Contribution towards Offshore Areas Mineral Trust / Contribution towards International Seabed Authority paid in the month (i) Rent paid (₹) (ii) Royalty paid (₹) (iii) Auction Premium (₹) (iv) Fixed Rent paid (₹) (v) Payment made to the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust (₹) (vi) Payment made to the International Seabed Authority (₹) (vii) Any other payment (₹) (as specified) 4. Details on working of mine: (i) Number of days the mine worked: +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ | (ii) Reasons for work stoppage in the mine during the | Reasons | No. of days | | month (due to strike, lockout, heavy rain, cyclone, | | | | natural calamity, non-availability of labour, transport | | | | bottleneck, lack of demand, uneconomic operations, etc.) | | | | and the number of days of work stoppage for each reason | | | | separately. | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+---------+-----------+ 5. Average Daily Employment and Total Salary/Wages paid #: +-----------------------------+---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | At the lease area | Direct | Contract | Total Salary/Wages (₹) | +-----------------------------+---------------------+---------------------+---------------------+ | | Male | Female | Male | Female | Direct | Contract | +-----------------------------+------+--------------+------+--------------+--------+------------+ | Engaged in | | | | | | | | production | | | | | | | | operations | | | | | | | +-----------------------------+------+--------------+------+--------------+--------+------------+ | Engaged in | | | | | | | | supporting | | | | | | | | function | | | | | | | +-----------------------------+------+--------------+------+--------------+--------+------------+ | Total | auto | auto | auto | auto | auto | auto | +-----------------------------+------+--------------+------+--------------+--------+------------+ # To include all employees exclusive to the mine and attached workshop or mineral processing plant at the offshore mine site. PART-II (PRODUCTION, DISPATCHES AND STOCKS) (To be submitted separately for each mineral) (Unit of Quantity in Tonnes) (PART II-A) Applicable for all minerals such as construction grade silica sand, non-construction grade calcareous sand, calcareous mud or lime mud, phosphatic sediments, except polymetallic nodules, gold and silver (Point A1, A2 and A3 to be filled up) A1. Name of mineral produced: (Construction grade silica sand, non-construction grade calcareous sand, lime mud, phosphatic sediments) A2. Production, Dispatches and Stocks (Tonnes): +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | Average Grades of | Opening stock at | Production | Dispatches from | Closing stock at mine- | | mineral | mine- head | | mine-head | head | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ A3. Sales/ Dispatches effected for Domestic Purposes and for Exports: +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | Average | Nature of | IBM | Consignee | Country | Quantity in | Sale value in Rs | | Grade of | Dispatches | registration | Name as per | of | tonnes | | | Mineral | | number ## | IBM | dispatch | | | | | | | registration | | | | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | Average | Domestic | | | | | | | Grade of | Own Consumption| | | | | | | Mineral | Export Purpose | | | | | | | | Total | | | | Auto Sum | | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ H. Deduction beyond lease area as per sub-rule (6) of rule 48 (Rs/ tonne) +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Average | Nature of | i) | ii) | iii) | iv) | v) | vi) | vii) | | grade of | Dispatches | Cost of | Loading | Railway | Port | Charges | Rent for | Other | | mineral | | transport- | and | freight, if | handling | for | plot at | charges | | | | ation | unloadin | applicabl | charges/ | samplin | stocking | (specify | | | | | g charges | e | export | g and | yard | clearly) | | | | | | | duty | analysis | | | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | A | B | H(i) | H(ii) | H(iii) | H(iv) | H(v) | H(vi) | H(vii) | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Average | Domestic | | | | | | | | | grade of | Own | | | | | | | | | mineral | Consumpti | | | | | | | | | | on | | | | | | | | | | Export | | | | | | | | | | Purpose | | | | | | | | | | Total | | | | | | | | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | Average | Nature of | Total Deduction | Total | Net sale | Related party sale | | grade of | Dispatches | beyond lease area | Deduction | value | / not at Arm’s | | mineral | | H (i + ii + iii + iv + v + vi + vii) | Rs. | Rs. | length sale | | | | Rs/tonne | I=F*H | J=G-I | (Yes/No) | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | A | B | H | | | K | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | Average | Domestic | | | | | | Grade of | Own Consumption| | | | | | Mineral | Export Purpose | | | | | | | Grand Total | | | Auto Sum | | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ ## To indicate separately if more than one buyer. NOTE:- Mine owners are required to substantiate domestic sale value/ FOB value for each grade of ore quoted above with copy of invoices (not to be submitted with the return; to be produced whenever required). A4. Ex-mine price of the ore produced (₹ per unit) +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | Nature of Dispatches | Total dispatches | Net Sale value of | Ex-mine Price | | (Data from table A3) | Quantity | dispatches (Non-related | | | | (Non-related parties sale only) from column - F | parties sale only) from column - J | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | (tonnes) | (Rs) | (Rs/ tonne) | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | A | B | C = B/A | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | Domestic/Export Sale | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ (PART II-B) Applicable for polymetallic nodules, gold and silver (Point B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and B6 to be filled up) (To be submitted separately for each mineral) (Unit of Quantity in Tonnes) B1. Name of mineral produced: B2. Production and Stocks of ROM ore: +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | Average | Opening stocks at | Production | Dispatches from | Closing stocks at | | grade of | mine-head | | mine-head | mine-head | | Mineral Ore | (in Tonne) | (in Tonne) | (in Tonne) | (in Tonne) | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+--------------------------+------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ B3. Recoveries at Concentrator/Mill/Plant: +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | Opening stocks of the Ore | Ore received from the | mine Ore treated | | | at concentrator/plant | | | | +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | Quantity | Metal content/ | Quantity | Metal content/ | Quantity | | (Tonne) | grade | (Tonne) | grade | (Tonne) | +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ | | | | | | +--------------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+ +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Concentrates * Obtained | Tailings | Closing stocks of concen- | trates at the concentrator/plant | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Quantity | Metal | Quantity | Metal | Quantity (Tonne)| | (Tonne) | content/ | (Tonne) | content/ grade | Metal content/ | | | grade | | | grade | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------+ | | | | | | +---------------------------+-----------------+---------------------------+---------------------------------------+-----------------------+ *In case of any leaching method adopted, give quantity recovered and grade contained separately. B4. Recovery at the Smelter/Mill/Plant: +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+ | Opening Stocks of the | Concentrates received from | Concentrates received | Concentrates sold (if | | concentrates at the smelter | concentrator/plant | from | any) | | /plant | | other sources (specify) | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+ | Quantity | Metal | Quantity | Metal content/ | Quantity | | (Tonne) | content/ | (Tonne) | grade | (Tonne) | | | grade | | | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | Quantity | Metal content/ | | | | | (Tonne) | grade | | | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-----------------------------+--------------------------------+--------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Concentrates treated | Closing stocks of | Metals (*) recovered (specify) | Other by-products, if any, | | | | concentrate at the | | recovered | | | | Smelter/Plant | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Quantity | Metal | Quantity | Metal content/ | Quantity | | (Tonne) | content/ | (Tonne) | grade | (Tonne) | | | grade | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Metal content/ | Quantity | Grade | Value | Quantity | | grade | (Tonne) | | (₹) | (Tonne) | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | Grade | Value (₹) | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ | | | | | | +-------------------------+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+---------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+ (*) Please give category-wise break-up viz. blister, fire refined copper, cathodes, electrolytic copper wire bars, lead ingots, zinc cathodes, zinc dross, gold, tungsten etc. B5. Sales during the month: +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+ | Metal/ Product| Opening stocks of | Place of | Metals/Products sold (@) | Closing stocks of | | | Metals/Products | sale | | Metals/Products | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | Quantity | Grade | Quantity | Grade | Quantity | | | (Tonne) | | (Tonne) | | (Tonne) | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | Grade | Value (#) | | | | | | (₹) | | | | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ | | | | | | | +---------------+--------------------------------+-----------+-------------------------------+------------------------------+------------------------------+ Note: (#) Please give ex-plant sale value. (@) Please give category-wise break-up of metals and other products sold. B6. Sales/ Dispatches effected for Domestic Purposes and for Exports: +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | Grade/ | Nature of | IBM | Consignee | Country | Quantity in | Sale value in Rs | | Concentrate | Dispatches | registration | Name as per | of | tonnes | | | | | number ## | IBM | dispatch | | | | | | | registration | | | | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ | Average | Domestic | | | | | | | Grade/ | Own | | | | | | | Concentrate | Consumption | | | | | | | | Export Purpose | | | | | | | | Total | | | | Auto Sum | | +---------------------------+----------------+--------------------------+--------------------------+-----------+----------------+-------------+ H. Deduction beyond lease area as per sub-rule (6) of rule 48 (Rs/ tonne) +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Grade/ | Nature of | i) | ii) | iii) | iv) | v) | vi) | vii) | | Concentr | Dispatches | Cost of | Loading | Railway | Port | Charges | Rent for | Other | | ate | | transporta | and | freight, if | handling | for | plot at | charges | | | | tion | unloadin | applicabl | charges/ | samplin | stocking | (specify | | | | | g charges | e | export | g and | yard | clearly) | | | | | | | duty | analysis | | | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | A | B | H(i) | H(ii) | H(iii) | H(iv) | H(v) | H(vi) | H(vii) | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ | Grade/ | Domestic | | | | | | | | | Concentr | Own | | | | | | | | | ate | Consumpti | | | | | | | | | | on | | | | | | | | | | Export | | | | | | | | | | Purpose | | | | | | | | | | Total | | | | | | | | +---------------------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+----------------+ +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | Grade/ | Nature of | Total Deduction | Total | Net sale | Related party sale | | Concentrate | Dispatches | beyond lease area | Deduction | value | / not at Arm’s | | | | H (i + ii + iii + iv + v + vi + vii) | Rs. | Rs. | length sale | | | | Rs/tonne | I=F*H | J=G-I | (Yes/No) | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | A | B | H | | | K | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ | Grade/ | Domestic | | | | | | Concentrate | Own Consumption| | | | | | | Export Purpose | | | | | | | Grand Total | | | Auto Sum | | +---------------------------+----------------+------------------------------------+----------------+-------------+------------------------------------+ ## To indicate separately if more than one buyer. NOTE:- Mine owners are required to substantiate domestic sale value/ FOB value for each grade of ore/concentrate quoted above with copy of invoices (not to be submitted with the return; to be produced whenever required). B7. Ex-mine price of the ore produced (₹ per unit) +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | Nature of Dispatches | Total dispatches | Net Sale value of | Ex-mine Price | | (Data from table-B6) | Quantity | dispatches (Non related | | | | (Non related party sales only) from column - F | party sales only) from column - J | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | (tonnes) | (Rs) | (Rs/ tonne) | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | A | B | C = B/A | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | Domestic/ Export Sale | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ | | | | | +---------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+---------------+ 6. Give reasons for increase/decrease in production/nil production, if any, during the month compared to the previous month. (a) (b) (c) 7. Give reasons for increase/decrease in grade wise ex-mine price, if any, during the month compared to the previous month. (a) (b) (c) 8. Remarks/ Comments, if any: I certify that the information furnished above is correct and complete in all respects. Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer PART-VI: COST OF PRODUCTION Cost of production per tonne of ore/mineral produced +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | Sl.No.| Item | Cost per tonne (₹) | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (i) | Direct Cost | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | | (a) Exploration | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | | (b) Production | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | | (c) Beneficiation | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (ii) | Over-head cost | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (iii) | Depreciation | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (iv) | Interest | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (v) | Royalty | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (vii) | Payments made to the Offsh- | ore Areas Mineral Trust | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (viii)| Payments made to the Inter- | national Seabed Author- | | | ity (if applicable) | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (ix) | Taxes | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (x) | Fixed Rent | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | (xi) | Others (specify) | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ | | Total | | +-------+-----------------------------+-------------------------+ Note: Information given under Part VI will be kept confidential. The Government, however, will be free to utilize the information for general studies without revealing the identity of the firm. VERIFICATION I certify that the information furnished above is correct and complete in all respects. Place: Signature Date: Name in full: Designation: Owner/Geologist/Mining Engineer THE SECOND SCHEDULE [see rule 48(5)] AMOUNT TO BE PAID IN CASE OF VIOLATION UNDER RULE 48 +-------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Item | Amount (in Rs.) | Explanation | +-------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | (1) | (2) | (3) | +-------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Non-submission or | Rs 10,000/- per day after due date | In case of referred back returns by | | incomplete/ wrong/ false | of submission of return as | Indian Bureau of Mines for | | information in monthly | specified in the | incorporating necessary | | returns in Form-G; by the due | Rule till rectification of violation | corrections, to be undertaken by | | date | | the lease holder, and if corrected | | | | within the allotted time limit and | | | | accepted thereafter by the Indian | | | | Bureau of Mines, no amount will | | | | be payable for the intervening | | | | period for such corrections. | | | | Failure to rectify in such cases | | | | shall attract the payment as | | | | specified. | +-------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ | Non-submission or | Rs 10,000/- per day after | | | incomplete/ wrong/ false | due date of submission of return | | | information in annual returns | in | as specified in the Rule till | | Form-H; by the due date | rectification of | | | | violation | | +-------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------+ THE THIRD SCHEDULE [see rule 60(2)] Rules whose contravention shall be punishable with fine +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | Rule No. | Marginal heading of the Rule | Amount of Fine (in Rs.) | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | (1) | (2) | (3) | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | Sub-rule | Modification and review of production plan | 2,000/- per day, subject to | | (2) of | | maximum 5,00,000/- | | rule 18 | | | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 21 | Exploration operations and production | 5,00,000/- | | | operations | | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 22 | Machinery and plant | 5,00,000/- | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 23 | Notice for commencement of production | 5,00,000/- | | | operations of mine | | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 28 | Notice of temporary discontinuance of work in mines | 5,00,000/- | | | and obligations of lessees | | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 29 | Intimation of reopening of a mine | 5,00,000/ | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 49 | Notice of certain appointments | 2,000/- per day, subject to | | | | maximum 1,00,000/- | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ | 53 | Employment of geologists and mining | 5,00,000/- | | | engineers | | +-----------+--------------------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------+ [F. No. M.VI-1/9/2024-Mines VI] DINESH MAHUR, Jt. Secy. Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.