The Directorate of Geology and Mining, Jammu and Kashmir, has suspended several Mineral Dealer Licences (MDLs) across the Union Territory over alleged violations of licence conditions under the Minor Mineral Concession Rules.
According to an order issued by Director Geology and Mining, the action has been taken following reports of non-compliance submitted by the committee constituted to monitor and regulate Mineral Dealer Licences in the Jammu division.
The order states that the licences were originally granted to individuals and firms for stocking, selling or offering minor minerals and mineral products for commercial purposes under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
Officials said that based on the committee’s findings, several dealers from districts including Jammu and Samba have had their licences placed under suspension for a period of one month or until the reported violations are rectified and compliance is ensured.
The suspended licence holders include firms and individuals such as M/S Mahavir Minerals, M/S Baba Chemicals, Harshit Magotra, Joginder Singh, Rahil Choudhary, Digvijay Singh, Asha Devi, Raman Choudhary and Sham Lal Mogotra.
The department said the step has been taken to ensure effective regulation, monitoring and enforcement of mineral trading activities across the Union Territory.