New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- The Union environment ministry has streamlined the procedure for mining companies to utilise or sell "overburden" and "rejects" - earth, soil, rock and debris - generated from mining projects, along with sub-grade minerals.

Through two separate office memorandums dated September 18, the ministry allowed companies to seek an amendment to their existing environmental clearance (EC), instead of applying for a fresh clearance, subject to certain conditions.

The move follows requests from the ministry of mines dated July 31, 2025 and March 27, 2026, seeking permission for the disposal or sale of overburden and rejects generated during ongoing mining operations, as well as legacy material. It had also sought guidelines ...