Concrete

Govt Exempts Tailings Recycling In Mines From Fresh Green Clearance

Move aims to streamline mining waste management

Published

7 months ago

February 26, 2026

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The central government has exempted tailings recycling in mines from the requirement of a fresh environmental clearance, citing an effort to streamline approvals and promote resource efficiency.

The decision is intended to simplify regulatory procedures for operators seeking to process existing mine waste for recovery of minerals and other materials.

Officials indicated that the move should reduce administrative delays while maintaining compliance with existing safeguards.

Authorities said existing environmental safeguards would continue to apply to recycling operations.

Tailings recycling refers to the recovery of valuable materials from the fine waste generated by mining operations and the subsequent reprocessing of material to reduce the volume stored in tailings facilities.

Advocates argue that recycling can recover metals and minerals, lower the demand for new ore extraction and reduce the footprint of waste storage.

The policy change is expected to encourage the adoption of technologies that convert legacy waste into usable inputs for industry.

The mining industry welcomed the exemption as a way to accelerate projects and improve economics, while environmental groups urged robust conditions to prevent adverse impacts.

Conservation organisations stressed the importance of rigorous monitoring, independent audits and clear standards for waste handling and water management.

Regulators are likely to frame the exemption with specific compliance requirements to balance economic and environmental objectives.

Industry sources indicated that the move could attract investment in processing plants and associated infrastructure.

The change may prompt states and permitting authorities to update their frameworks to reflect the central clearance position and to clarify oversight roles.

Observers noted that effective implementation will depend on transparent reporting, enforcement capacity and investment in rehabilitation of legacy sites.

The long term outcome will hinge on whether recycling reduces the environmental risks associated with tailings while supporting a circular approach in the mining sector.

Stakeholders called for clear timelines for compliance.

Related Topics:Environment Mining recycling

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Cement Firms to Invest Rs. 130 bn in Green Energy by FY28

Cement companies plan to expand clean energy capacity to 6 GW by FY28

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

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India’s major cement companies are set to raise their clean energy capacity to 6 GW by March 2028 from around 4 GW at the end of March 2026, according to ratings agency ICRA. The planned expansion is expected to involve investments of Rs. 130 bn over the next two years.

The additional capacity could generate annual savings of Rs. 62 bn to Rs. 67 bn, resulting in an estimated payback period of 1.8 to 2.2 years. Cement is an emission-intensive industry, and leading producers have established net-zero roadmaps covering the next 15 to 20 years.

The calcination process accounts for 57 to 60 per cent of the sector’s total emissions, while fuel combustion contributes 27 to 30 per cent and electricity consumption accounts for 10 to 13 per cent. ICRA said the figures highlighted the need for a broad decarbonisation strategy involving green power, blended cement, alternative fuels and improvements in clinker efficiency.

Green energy is considered one of the most commercially attractive decarbonisation options because it can reduce emissions while lowering operating costs. Every 5 per cent increase in green power replacement can reduce power and fuel costs by Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 per tonne. A 25 per cent replacement level could therefore save Rs. 75 to Rs. 80 per tonne and expand operating margins by 140 to 160 basis points.

Cement producers are also assessing carbon capture, utilisation and storage, although high implementation costs, energy requirements and limited transport and storage infrastructure are expected to slow commercial adoption. The government has proposed Rs. 200 bn over five years to support deployment across key sectors. Meanwhile, companies are targeting thermal substitution rates of 10 to 15 per cent over the next three to five years, compared with the current industry level of around 6 per cent.

Concrete

Centre Defers Clearance for Limestone Mine Near Bustard Habitat

Panel seeks revised mining plan and safeguards for pipelines and wildlife

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Centre has deferred environmental clearance for a proposed limestone mine near a Great Indian Bustard habitat in Ramgarh, Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The critically endangered species has an estimated wild population of about 130 in India.

Concrete

Telangana to Supply Subsidised Cement for Indiramma Houses

Poor families allotted Indiramma houses to receive cement at Rs. 230 per bag

Published

3 days ago

September 16, 2026

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The Telangana government will supply cement at a subsidised price of Rs. 230 per 50-kg bag to poor and low-income families allotted Indiramma houses. The prevailing market price is between Rs. 310 and Rs. 320 per bag, the Assembly was informed on Thursday.