The Indian Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, which allow commercial mining of lithium and five more minerals—beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum and zirconium, sources told Moneycontrol. These minerals are primarily used in the electronics, spacetech and communications industries as well as making EV batteries. So far, existing laws have prohibited the mining of these minerals, and these industries have been dependent on imports. Lithium will play a major role in helping India achieve its net-zero by 2070 target as the country transitions to clean energy.
Validity of CRZ clearances for infra projects extended from 7 to 10 years
Coastal zone clearances for infrastructure projects will now be valid for 10 years, according to a new notification by the Indian government. The previous current validity period is 7 years, according to a 2019 notification. Coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) clearance can also be transferred to another project proponent or be split amongst two or more proponents. The ministry provided no public notice for people to submit their suggestions or objections to this new notification.
Centre appoints Justice Sheo Kumar Singh as acting chairperson of NGT
Justice Sheo Kumar Singh has been appointed as the acting chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) after the retirement of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. A notification issued by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change stated that Singh would be acting chairperson until an appointment is made to the post. Singh, who joined judicial services in 1984, was previously appointed Observer, Ram Janam Bhumi, Ayodhya, Faizabad by the Supreme Court, and had to oversee excavation work.
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