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India Considers Extending Green Permits for Mines Up for Auctions

  • Ministry in talks to extend valid permits to enable operations
  • Bidders could seek new permits within 2 years of winning lease

India is considering easing environmental approvals for mines due for auctions by March, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that may potentially limit any disruption in iron-ore supplies.

The mines department is in talks with the federal environment ministry to allow winning bidders of mines whose leases expire by March 2020 to start operations without delay if the mine has valid environmental and forest approvals, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are still on. The bidders could then seek fresh permits within two years, they said.