Testing grounds for Drones as effective surveillance equipment

                     

The Ministry of mines has geared up to monitor the illegal mining activities with the help of Drones. Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can be remotely controlled with the help of a camera or geo-locating technology.

In the last month, India’s Ministry of Mines launched a satellite based surveillance system that will make the use of Drones to trace down any sort of illegal mining activity. States and countries across the world are giving a try at this technology, hoping to solve critical issues like illegal quarrying and sand mining.

Though the ministry has high hopes, many people in the industry feel that drones are not the most effective way of tracking down unlawful mining activities. Rana Sengupta, chief executive of the non-profit Mine Labour Protection Campaign in Rajasthan state, said “Drones can show you the extent of the problem, but if the intent is to check illegal mining, you need to involve the villages and local communities in the area. We already have the capability to use satellite images to see where illegal mining is taking place. Villagers can be your eyes and ears far more effectively in preventing the activity than drones”.

S Vaikundarajan, the Chairman and MD of V. V. Mineral Pvt Ltd., said in an interview “Though the exact picture of how the drone technology can help the industry is unclear, we are glad to see conscious effort by the Ministry (of mines) in trying to resolve the issue of illegal mining. Apart from being a criminal offense, illegal sand mining is a huge threat to the environment. “

The New Granite Policy Will Help Control Illegal Mining - VV Mineral Mining

The illegal beach mining scam has gravely affected VV Minerals India, the largest sand beach mining company in India. While the investigating committee is yet to reach its verdict, there has been no evidence to suggest any illegal activities on behalf of the company. VV Mineral Vaikundarajan believes that the new policy and government’s initiatives will bring hope to the mining industry.

The mining industry saw a turn of events with the Tamil Nadu government announcing a new policy for the sale of beach minerals. The government is set to put forth new granite policy that will allow it to undertake the sale of beach minerals in order to augment resources.

The initiative puts the government in good books financially although the Sale of Indian Mad Foreign Liquor is still the biggest revenue spinner for the state.

Madras High Court Stays Order In Favour Of VV Minerals

VV Minerals had filed a writ appeal against the single judge’s order asking the commissioner to decide the preliminary issue of jurisdiction. Following the appeal, the Division Bench of Madras High Court ordered a stay in favour of VV Minerals India, the leading sand beach mining company represented by S VV Mineral Vaikundarajan.

The show cause notice issued on December 26 appealed the company to provide explanation on why it should be excused from paying central excise for minerals obtained between March 2011 and March 2014. The company had earlier stated that the minerals were concentrates that could not be separated due to the lack of technology, a challenge faced by all beach mining companies in India.

Defending which, the company’s writ petition challenging the notice got the case dismissed on March 10 this year. Additionally, the company pointed out that the Commissioner was denying access to many documents sought by the company.  The Commissioner was directed by the High Court to provide the company with the necessary documents for issuing the notice to help the company present an effective reply.

VV Mineral also filed a second writ petition explaining the mining lease obtained legally from the State Government. The company further explained that the minerals extracted from sand fall under the ‘mines’ category and should be exempted of the central excise.

The court declared its verdict in favour of VV Mineral Mining justification of its writ appeal despite commissioner’s allegations. VV Mineral Vaikundarajan expressed his satisfaction in the court’s verdict and assured that the company’s operations were legal in all departments.

Thorium Mining Allegations On VV Minerals Untrue, Says VV Mineral Vaikundarajan

The world’s largest reserve of Thorium can be found on the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If the current reports are anything to go by, the Thorium deposits on Indian shores have seen a considerable decline. While the reason could be erosion, illegal export of minerals has been cited as the major problem behind this depletion.

For a long time, VV Minerals has been the highest stakeholder of the mining business in these areas. While there is no evidence to justify illegal actions on behalf of the company, the scam has already done a considerable amount of damage to its reputation.

Authorities at VV Mineral have a completely different story to tell. Company loyalists have stated that VV Minerals has been operating within legal boundaries for over two decades and the scam is only a plot by business rivals.

Even though the damage has been done, VV Mineral Vaikundarajan stays positive and believes that his company will come clean once the investigation reaches its conclusion.

V Subramanian Of VV Mineral On The Hurdles In Heavy Mining Industry

VV Minerals is one of the largest beach sand mining companies in India. It was founded by VV Mineral S Vaikundarajan in late 1980s and has own several national awards for its contribution to the export business.

V Subramanian, Director of VV Mineral, spoke to the Business World on the hurdles faced by the mining industry and the best ways to overcome those issues. “In recent times, the economic downturn and the scams in mining sector have been a huge setback to the industry,” says Subramanian. The court bans have only made the situation worse.
Business World: What are the Hurdles in the sector? 


V Mineral V Subramanian: No other country has imposed on export duty on minerals. China benefits the most due to 10% duty that makes export unviable. Lack of port infrastructure, sufficient power, and delays in getting approvals are some other hurdles. Several stipulations have caused a major setback to the mining industry.

Business World: Will the upcoming budget help solve these issues?

V Subramanian: Some of the issues can be resolved by amending the MMDR act 1957. The government is expected to ease the process of granting clearance which is a huge boost to the mining industry. 

Business World: How can the government help mining sector?

VV Minerals V Subramanian: Remove the 10% export duty on Ilmenite, grant faster clearances, remove the requirement of taking CRZ clearance and allow setting up processing units in coastal areas, grant environment and forest clearance etc are some of the recommendations that can help the mining industry work effectively.

Business World: What steps should the government take to benefit the mining sector and ensure growth?

V Subramanian: There are quite a few things that can be considered by the government.

• Single window clearance for the mining industry
• Export Incentives should be provided
• Restrictive Import policy i.e., Anti-dumping duty on Tio2, Rutile and Zircon
• Simplification of MOEF (Ministry of Environment & Forest) clearance

VV Mineral Finds Favour In High Court In The Draft Mining Scheme

Indian Bureau of Mines was established to promote systematic and scientific development of mineral resources of the country (both onshore and offshore), through regulatory inspections of the mines, approval of mining plans and environment management plans to ensure minimal adverse impact on environment.

But off late, the Bureau has been facing a lot of heat from the courts, due to its regulatory orders on VV Mineral and another mining company . The dispute is related to the requirements to be fulfilled for submission of a mining scheme, on which the VV Minerals has complied with, while the Bureau said it has not complied with. The draft scheme submitted by VV Minerals, was not allowed by the Bureau, alleging that the companies failed to remove all the defects in the draft scheme, when it was re-submitted in January, 2014.

Feigned Scam Rumours About VV Minerals

Apparently, the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu have been facing sand erosion from the past few years. Rather than taking into consideration the natural causes, the locals are being misled to put the blame on the mining activities of VV Minerals.

VV Mineral is one of the largest manufacturer and exporter of Garnet and Ilmenite, and takes care of majority of sand mining in Tamil Nadu. The director of VV Mineral Mining, says that all of this is only a manoeuvre by the business rivals. The company has been operating peacefully since decades and wishes to do so in the future too. The operations of the company in the rural locality have also created good job opportunities for the villagers and they are all well-wishers of the company.

V Sundaram, first district collector of undivided Tirunelveli, and Ashish Kumar, former district collector, made some baseless claims of a scam against VV Minerals India. The amount of the scam as claimed by the duo is more than crores of rupees. But this is not the first time that rivals have managed to drag VV Mineral to court without solid proof but in vain.

VV Mineral Vaikundarajan said, “All these scams are baseless and cannot be proved. It is sad that the villagers too are against my firm after all we have done for them.”

VV Mineral Brushing Off Allegations

Since the company has reached the pinnacle of sand mining industry, VV Mineral has been facing too many allegations and rumours. As per our sources, the competitors are not taking the success of VV Minerals very well, says S Vaikundarajan, Director of the company.

VV Minerals is a Tamil Nadu based beach-mining company exporting the largest amount of Garnet and Ilmenite from India. It has been growing under the guidance of VV Mineral Vaikundarajan.

Ashish Kumar, the then district collector of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, had conducted a raid on VV Minerals’ office. It was exposed that he was involved with one of the competitors and had planned the raid. The videos of Ashish Kumar and the said competitors’ meeting were leaked and Ashish Kumar was transferred in no time. Apparently, Kumar’s earlier assignment too lasted for a short span of only 45 days.

VV Minerals India Shoreline Erosion In Tuticorin Is Not Because Of Illegal Beach Mining

It seems like the allegations put on VV Minerals India are only making it stronger by the day. VV Minerals is the highest Garnet and Ilmenite mining and producing company in India. Recently, a lot of questions have been raised against the company alleging the company’s involvement in illegal beach mining. VV Minerals has taken the legal route against such allegations and rumours. All the court battles to this day are in favour of VV Minerals and the company thinks it will continue to do so.

VV Mineral was raided by District Collector Ashish Kumar on August 6th and no solid proof was found to prove it guilty. However, it was proved that Ashish Kumar was involved with one of the competitors who was trying to harass VV Minerals and malice its reputation.

VV Minerals spokesperson, speaking to NDTV, denied these allegations and claimed that the "charges made by the former District Collector are baseless, motivated and vague."

VV Mineral Mining is the most trusted exporter of minerals like Garnet and Ilmenite. Thus VV Minerals has almost enjoyed 100% monopoly in Ilmenite mining and also had a giant share for exploiting Garnet. This obvious fact is being misused by the competitors.

VV Minerals’ Director, V Subramanian, dismisses all allegations as a conspiracy by its business rivals.

"Sundaram is passing this as a cruel joke. He is on the payroll of our business rival... Our hands are clear. We will come out clear from these allegations. Our records are straight," Ravindram Duraiswami, advocate for VV Minerals India told NDTV.

Ray Of Hope For Private Mining Sector – VV Mineral Mining

With a new set of rules, the private sector might be able to mine some of the previously banned minerals soon. New rules are being designed by the Union mines ministry to allow and regulate the mining of minerals that contain radioactive content. However, the private sector can only engage in minerals with limited radioactive content.

There is hope that mining of minerals like llmenite, Rutile, Zircon, Leucoxene, listed in the atomic mineral category, would be allowed in the private sector with a few rules governing the process and they could benefit from the lucrative market. A proper set of rules will also make the life easier for the private sector.

This comes as big news for firms like VV Mineral Mining. Managing Director, VV Minerals India, said in an interview, “This is a small step towards the betterment of the industry as a whole. Many opportunities will be generated for the private sector. Also a defined set of rules will help the companies to operate smoothly.”

VV Mineral  is the largest mining company in the country. It specialises in mining Garnet and Ilmenite. Garnet mining too wasn’t allowed till the late 1980s. Almost 30 years down the line, Vaikundarajan has Garnet mining as his speciality. VV Minerals is the largest producer of Garnet in India.

Read The Story For More Setails: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/new-rules-for-atomic-minerals-in-the-offing-115120100069_1.html

VV Mineral Mining Stays Positive Despite Allegations

VV Mineral Mining and its founder S Vaikundarajan have been facing a lot of heat over the illegal beach sand mining scam. In another twist, Judge Michael Cunha stated 32 benami companies through Jayalalitha amassed huge assets. One company, Riverway Agro Products Pvt Ltd, has been accused of helping Jayalalitha with 1190 acres of land in Thirunelveli districts of Tamil Nadu.

Allegations were quickly made against VV Mineral Vaikundarajan connecting him to the company. Meanwhile, the judge has ordered for confiscation of all land.

When the allegations of illegal beach mining began to surface, the State Government set up an investigating team to probe the matter. IAS office Ashish Kumar was given the marching order during his investigating stint. Once again, fingers were pointed at S Vaikundarajan for using political influence in his favour. An enquiry committee headed by Gagandeep Singh Bedi was set up following this controversy.

VV Mineral Vaikundarajan continued to maintain that company has been operating within legal boundaries for over 20 years now. He has openly shown his support to the investigating committee and called the allegations as a ploy by his business competitors to defame the company.

How much truth do these allegations hold are yet to be proven as no concrete proof has been brought forth as yet.

VV Minerals Has All The Legal Documents To Mine And Export, Says VV Mineral Chairman

VV Minerals India is one of the leading sand beach mining companies in the country. The company was established in the late 1980s by S Vaikundarajan and has won several national awards for its contribution to the export business.

Recently, however, several allegations of illegal beach sand mining have surfaced against the company. Despite no substantial proof to support these allegations, the company’s hard earned reputation seems to have taken a hit. Vaikundarajan has stated that VV Minerals has operated within legal boundaries and the allegation is a ploy by competitors to defame the company.

Following these allegations, an investigation team was set up by the then Chief Minister Jayalalitha to probe in to the matter across five districts of the state. IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi headed the special investigation team.

Vaikundarajan Thwarts Illegal Mining Allegations against His Company

Following the allegations of illegal beach mining in South against some companies; the State Government set up an investigating team to probe into the matter.

With the team yet to reach its conclusion, the coastal population has shown little or no faith in the team’s efforts. The population consisting of Fishermen United Front have expressed their reservations against the functioning of investigation team. The reason for this is yet to be revealed.

Founder of VV Minerals India, S Vaikundarajan is accused of using his political influence over the matters concerning illegal mining activities. None of these allegations have been supported by strong evidence. Vaikundarajan maintains that the company has operated within legal boundaries for over 20 years and will continue to do so.

Brand’s reputation was further tainted when two former IAS officers stated that VV Minerals have engaged in illegal beach sand mining in the southern districts. Vaikundarajan was quick to play down these allegations. He further expressed his support for the investigating team and assured that the results will be in favour of the company.

VV Minerals India was founded in late 1980s and has been running under the tutelage of Vaikundarajan. The founder publicly thwarted all allegations as a defamation plot by rival mining industries.

While there is no conclusive evidence to support any allegation against the company; several fishermen in the region have threatened to leave their houses. Vaikundarajan stated that the allegations have no credibility and the threats are simply uncalled for.

“We have complete faith in judiciary and believe the investigation team will do its job. We lend our complete support to the team,” he added.

VV Mineral Mining TN Beach Mineral Exporters Win Top Awards

VV Minerals Mining leading beach mineral exporters, received the 'CAPEXIL Award' for its performance in export.

Kalraj Mishra, Union minister of micro, small and medium enterprises presented the award to V. Subramanian, managing director of VV Minerals, at a function in Delhi on January 28th.

VV Minerals Vaikundarajan said in an interview “The award symbolizes ease of doing business for promoting mineral exports from the country. Simplicity of processes and maximum support to the importers has always been a priority for VV Minerals. We value our clients and employees alike and this award just affirms the same for us.”

The award mainly stands for the service quality provided by the company. VV Minerals has a huge annual output of 150,000 tonnes of Garnet abrasives, 225,000 tonnes of Ilmenite, 12,000 tonnes of Zircon and 5,000 tonnes of Rutile.

Transworld Garnet India Private Limited (TGI), a Thoothukudi-based mineral exporter was also selected as one among the 63 'CAPEXIL awardees' under the special export category. C Sakthi Ganapathy, managing director of TGI received the award from the MSME minister the same day.

VV Minerals Complete Support CBI Enquiry Team

Following several allegations of illegal beach mining against some companies, the state government has set up an investigating team to probe into the matter.

However, the coastal population, mainly Fishermen United Front, have shown little or no faith in the investigating team’s work. The reason for this is yet to be revealed.

Vaikundarajan, Managing Director of VV Minerals India, is accused of using political connections over the matters concerning illegal mining activities. None of these allegations are supported by strong evidence. The company has assured to have carried all mining activities with legal boundaries.

Blames Of Shoreline Erosion On VV Mineral Mining Baseless

Heavy beach mining activities seem to have taken a toll on the coastal areas like Viapar, a village in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The people of these areas say the waves are reaching closer to their homes by the day.

The minute these statements were in the news, the spotlight moved to VV Minerals and the alleged case of illegal mining filed against the firm. VV Mineral Mining is the largest producer and exporter of ilemnite and garnet and one of the biggest beach mining companies in India.

The former District Collector, Ashish Kumar, had probed into this matter and claimed that VV Minerals was had violated its mining leases. No solid proof against VV Minerals was discovered even after raiding the office of S Vaikundarajan, owner and Managing Director of the firm.

Later, Ashish Kumar’s association with the industry rivals of VV Mineral Mining were discovered and he was controversially transferred.

The representative of VV Minerals strictly denied these allegations and claimed that the "charges made by the former District Collector are baseless, motivated and vague."

VV Minerals dismisses all allegations as a conspiracy by its business rivals.

"VV Minerals owner Vaikundarajan knows every inch of the area and he has recorded large scale illegal mining going on with the connivance of all departmental officials. All functionaries of nodal departments of GOI and nodal mines department in Tamil Nadu have all been singing, dancing and collecting bribes together. Now, with Christmas just a few months away, the bribing would begin," Mr Sundaram claimed in an interview.

"Sundaram is passing this as a cruel joke. He is on the payroll of our business rival. Our hands are clear. We will come out clear from these allegations. Our records are straight," said Ravindram Duraiswami, VV Minerals’ advocate.

We Support The Investigation And Will Come Clean, Says VV Minerals Vaikundarajan

All the mining activities in the South have been suspended by the State Government following allegations of sand mining against VV Minerals India. The allegations, however, are not backed by any evidence. The government has currently ordered to set up an investigation team to reach a conclusion.

VV Mineral Vaikundarajan, denied all allegations and said, “It is a ploy by business rivals to defame the company.”

A former IAS officer, V Sundaram had written a letter to the government alleging that it had suffered a loss of nearly 90000 crores through illegal mining. He further claimed to have received threat calls for his comments in the media.

Niranjan Mardi, the state chief secretary, said in his email, “I derive my constitutional right to serve as a fearless whistleblower under article 51A of the Indian Constitution.” He insists on fighting the gigantic public corruptions and demands adequate and immediate police protection from the Tamil Nadu government.

In the wake of these allegations, Vaikundarajan has affirmed his innocence and believes that the investigation result will be in favor of the company. Furthermore, no evidence has yet been forthcoming to convict the company.

VV Minerals issued a statement denying all allegations. "Mr Sundaram's complaint against us is a publicity stunt. He has joined hands with our business rival Mr Daya Devadosan.  We came out clean earlier after an inspection in May and this time too we will come out clean," said the lawyer for VV Minerals, S Ravindran Duraisamy.

VV Mineral Mining Office Premises Raided No Illegal Activity Found

S. Vaikundarajan, founder and managing director of V. V. Minerals, has been under scrutiny since the start of the alleged case of illegal export of thorium-rich sand to foreign countries that VV Mineral Mining has been facing.  The office premises of VV Mineral Vaikundarajan at Keeraikaaranthattu near Thisaiyanvilai were raided by the police in the same context.

VV Mineral Vaikundarajan has been running the company for almost two decades. Any such accusations have never been laid on the company before, he says.

VV Minearl Mining Stays Positive As HC Upholds Mining Ban Against Company

Madras High court upheld its decision made by the state government to ban mining in the South. The government banned mining in August 2013 in respect of two companies involved in the alleged scam.

Petitions were filed by two companies - Transworld Garnet India Private Ltd and VV Mineral Mining, a company represented by its Managing Partner and founder S Vaikundarajan.

The petitions appeared before Justice T Raja who appointed a new inquiry committee headed by retired High Court Judge, Justice Vinod Kumar Sharma, to probe into the matter and reach a fair conclusion.

Furthermore, the orders of the government were held invalid by the judge. In respect to the inspection report submitted by the earlier committee headed by IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi, the judge stated, “They are legally valid and as such the same cannot be disturbed.”

The mining of beach sand has been halted since the orders were issued. Justice Raja concluded that Gagandeeep Singh Bedi was likely to be biased and prejudiced against the companies and should not have been the chairperson of the special committee. He further said that the IAS Officer may have heard the company’s business rivals such as Dhayadevadas but refused to extend the same benefit of personal hearing to companies.

“There is every possibility of the officer getting motivated against the companies,” said the judge in reference to VV Mineral’s complaint to National Human Rights Commission leveling harassment allegations against Bedi in 97-98.

The two writ petitions filed by the beach mining companies are still awaiting a hearing with the Madras High Court. However, the activities have been temporarily suspended until further notice.

For More Details Follow The Hindu Link: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/hc-stays-order-in-favour-of-beach-mineral-company/article8023692.ece

VV Mineral India Is Not Involved In Any Illegal Mining Activity

According to Mines and Minerals Act of 1957, The beaches of Orissa Sand Complex, Manavalakurichi in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu, have been identified as the main monazite bearing area in the country.

It is said that 2.1 million tons of monazite has vanished from the beaches of India since 2014. Most of this blame has been pointed at VV Minerals India, bringing the founder of the company, S Vaikundarajan under the scanner.

While a committee has been put together to investigate the matter; the locals have shown skepticism and requested for a CBI enquiry.

The district collector of Tuticorin, Ashish Kumar, was one of the members looking into the matters. On receiving transfer orders, many pointed out the connection VV Minerals India and the ongoing investigation. Ashish Kumar, however, never even mentioned the link.

There have been several other accusations of illegal beach mining against VV Minerals. However, no proof has been submitted by the accuser to back the allegations. VV Mineral Vaikundarajan, who set up the business in late 90s, insists that his company is not involved in any illegal activities.

He has openly supported the investigating committee and assures that the result will be in their favor.