The Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974

The Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974 was enacted to regulate the conservation, development, and utilization of coal mines in India. The act provides for the establishment of a regulatory authority to supervise and enforce the provisions of the act. It also lays down provisions for the grant of mining leases and prospecting licenses, the manner of mining operations, and the conditions for the development of coal mines. The act also lays down guidelines for the conservation of coal, the prevention of waste, and the promotion of research and development in the field of coal mining. The act provides for penalties for violation of its provisions and for the adjudication of disputes related to coal mining.