Coal India Not Concerned About New Bills


Mumabi: World's largest miner Coal India today said it was not concerned over the new mines and land acquisition rehabilitation bill as long as it helps in getting land for mining. "I am not much concerned on mining and land acquisition bills as long as they help us in getting land for mining," CIL chairman N C Jha told shareholders at the first AGM after IPO. "These bills' proposals will increase cost but that can be passed on, so I am concerned more on increasing production and for that getting land is important," he added. Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2011 calls for 6 percent royalty to land losers and the land acquisition bill will also propose higher cost for rehabilitation. CIL's overseas plans did not took off. The finance ministry is yet to give clearance to few clarifications on overseas acquisition sought by the miner. Moreover, the long-term off take plan is also not moving ahead. "We had received 16 proposals from five companies but most of them are not keen to offer discount for a long term. Proposals from US are offering discount, we are still evaluating them," Jha said. The joint venture agreement with Shipping Corporation is not yet signed since MoU was signed last year meant to import coal.
Source: PTI