National Environmental (Mining and Processing of Coal, Ores and Industrial Minerals) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 31 of 2009).

These Regulations are made by the Minister of Environment pursuant to the provisions of section 34 of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act, 2007. The Regulations are made to minimize pollution from Mining and Processing of Coal, Ores and Industrial Minerals. the Regulations provide that mining and processing techniques should incorporate up-to-date, efficient cleaner production technologies to minimize pollution to the highest practicable degree and that mines using old operating methods shall take necessary steps limit risks, among other plans to reduce pollution. It provides that permits must be obtained for mine emissions in excess of permissible levels, and provides procedure for obtaining such permits. It provides incentives like recognition by the Agency for facilities who adopt environmentally responsible practices. It makes detailed provisions on limitation of effluent discharge, for instance the treatment of mine water before disposal, acid mine drainage testing shall be carried out by the facility throughout operations and closure, and so on. The Regulations incorporates the Polluter-Pays-Principle, as such the collection, treatment, transportation and final disposal of wastes within the specified standards and guidelines, shall be the responsibility of the facility generating the wastes. It further provides that facilities shall prepare an emergency response plan that describes measures to be taken in respect of discharge of deleterious substances. The Regulations provide stiff fines for contravention of its provisions.