Section 17 in The Mines And Minerals (Development And Regulation) Act, 1957
17. Special powers of Central Government to undertake prospecting or mining operations in certain lands. - (1) The provisions of this section shall apply [* * *] [Substituted by Act 56 of 1972, Section 9, for sub-Section (1) (w.e.f. 12.9.1972). ] in respect of land in which the minerals vest in the Government of a State [or any other person] [ Inserted by Act 56 of 1972, Section 10 (w.e.f. 12.9.1972).].
(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Central Government, after consultation with the State Government, may undertake [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] in any area not already held under any [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] and where it proposes to do so, it shall, by notification in the Official Gazette-(a)specify the boundaries of such area;(b)state whether [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] will be carried out in the area; and(c)specify the mineral or minerals in respect of which such operations will be carried out.(3)Where, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2), the Central Government undertakes [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] in any area, the Central Government shall be liable to pay [mineral concession fee or prospecting fee] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting fee" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).] royalty, surface rent or dead rent, as the case may be, at the same rate at which it would have been payable under this Act, if such [reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting or mining operations" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] had been undertaken by a private person under a [mineral concession, prospecting license or mining lease.] [ Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999).](4)The Central Government, with a view to enabling it to exercise the powers conferred on it by sub-section (2) may, after consultation with the State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare that no [mineral concession, prospecting license, or mining lease] [Substituted by Act 38 of 1999, Section 15, for " prospecting license or mining lease" (w.e.f. 18.12.1999). ] shall be granted in respect of any land specified in the notification.
