The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) is a premier regulatory body under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Headquartered in Nagpur, it oversees the scientific development, conservation, and environmental protection of non-coal, non-atomic, and non-hydrocarbon mineral resources across the country.
To fulfill its mandate, the IBM operates through a multidisciplinary framework that ensures sustainable and compliant mining operations:
Core Functions & Responsibilities
- Regulation & Enforcement: The IBM enforces provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Environmental Protection Act. It regulates the sector by reviewing and approving mining plans and schemes.
- Resource Conservation: It promotes the scientific extraction and conservation of minerals, preventing wastage and encouraging the beneficiation of low-grade ores.
- Environmental Protection: The bureau monitors the environmental impact of both on-shore and off-shore mines, ensuring compliance with ecological and Sustainable Development Framework guidelines.
- Data & Research: It maintains the National Mineral Inventory, prepares mineral maps, and conducts ore-dressing research through its specialized regional laboratories and pilot plants.
Technical Consultancy: The IBM offers advisory services to both central and state governments regarding mining legislation, mineral industry trends, and policy formulation. https://ibm.gov.in/IBMPortal/