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Shillong: Limestone mining is one of the revenue earners for Meghalaya. Despite concerns about the environment, Meghalaya remains one of the biggest suppliers of limestone to neighbouring Bangladesh. Earlier this year, the High Court of Meghalaya slammed the state government for turning a blind eye to illegal coal and limestone mining. However, Dolly Khonglah (DK), the secretary of Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce, allays fears saying limestone is mined responsibly in the state and earns a substantial revenue.
In a tête-à-tête with Business-Northeast, Khonglah talks about the limestone mining and exports and how miners are doing their part in rejuvenating the ecology. Excerpts:
BNE: What quantum of limestone is exported per annum and how much is it worth?
DK: About 800 trucks leave Dawki every day. Each truck carries 12 tonnes of limestone. So, you can see what amount is exported. Each tonne costs $10. There are 11 limestone miners in the state.
BNE: Which countries are Meghalaya's biggest buyers?
DK: Meghalaya exports limestone only to Bangladesh, which is the closest neighbouring country, and hence, transportation cost is less. For transporting to Bhutan, the costs shoot up and it is not feasible for miners.
BNE: What is the status of the case on minor mineral license?
DK: I had appealed to the Supreme Court and we have been successful in getting an interim stay order on the High Court’s ban on export of limestone. High Court ordered a blanket ban following a PIL. We are all licence holders. The HC also put a condition that each exporter must have Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee. So, we are now fighting against that. (Last year, the High Court directed the state government to ascertain whether the licence issued for limestone mining is misused by exporting the mineral to any country)
BNE: How are miners keeping a balance between mining and ecological safety?
DK: Miners pay 30% of the royalty towards the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Reclamation Fund. So, it is the duty of the government to utilise this fund (for the betterment of the environment). Besides, the miners are doing their part to replenish the environment. We replant and hold afforestation drives.
BNE: Will scientific mining be adopted now that coal mining will also be done scientifically?
DK: Let it (scientific mining of coal) first take place. The state government has given 60 days. So, I would say let it first start because until it does, we cannot say anything. There can be several conditions. Having said that, if there are upgradations or new technology, then we will do that.
BNE: How much revenue does limestone bring to the state?
DK: We are paying 30% to the reclamation fund plus Rs 60 in cess per tonne, and also paying for the district mineral fund.
BNE: What is the road map for limestone miners?
DK: The Centre has already laid down its ‘Look East’ policy and we have to follow that. Bangladesh is the closest and that is why we are exporting there. However, we can expand but we needed the necessary infrastructure and transportation for that. Now that the Dawki inland port is there, let us see. We are doing our part.
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