As a measure in that direction, the directorate of mines (DoM) will be vested with the task of identifying areas in mining processes where energy savings and emission reduction can be achieved.

While emphasis will be given on exploring cleaner technologies and best practices in coal mining, a study is proposed to be taken up to find out the potential of coal bed methane in coalfields of the state, official sources said.

A separate coal evacuation plan will be put in place for Talcher and Ib valley coalfields.

Similarly, an environmental restoration fund (ERF) is proposed to be constituted taking contributions from the mining houses.

A mechanism will be devised to implement a system of compensatory water harvesting and storage around mining clusters by the concerned mines and efforts will be made to protect and restore water harvesting structures in the catchment of the mining intensive areas.

Besides, the government proposes to take up a regional hydrological survey for mining clusters of Joda-Barbil, Koira, Talcher-Angul, Ib valley, Sukinda valley areas, limestone and dolomite belts and eastern ghat bauxite zones.

The draft action plan prepared by the sectoral group on mining also proposes to conduct studies to identify the potential of beneficiation of low grade iron ore, manganese, graphite and chrome ore.

It also seeks to leverage the best practices in metal mining for fighting the impacts of climate change.

Source: www.business-standard.com

SHAWN McCARTHY

OTTAWA — From Thursday’s Globe and Mail Published on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 12:00AM EDT Last updated on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 2:36AM EDT

GLOBAL ENERGY REPORTER

Source Globe and Mail

Investors are returning to the clean technology sector but with a sharper eye for risk and more demanding appetite for reward.

But as private investors move back into financing for renewable energy, efficiency and pollution-abatement companies, money is running out at the federal government’s flagship program for financing startup companies whose technologies offer reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Ottawa’s Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) – a linchpin for startups needing development capital – is scheduled to announce a $50-million round of company financings next month, virtually depleting its $350-million climate change/clean air fund.

The sector was hammered by the global economic meltdown as credit dried up and investors became increasingly risk-averse. Financing is now coming back – but with a somewhat chastened approach to the much-hyped technology sector. “There is a renewed interest on the part of financial institutions who had clean tech and carbon finance on their radar prior to the economic downturn,” said Douglas Clarke, a partner in the climate-change practice at Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP.

Source Globe and Mail