The Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT) has vehemently opposed Union tribal welfare minister V Kishore Chandra Deo’s demand for stoppage of bauxite mining in Eastern Ghats. “We strongly refute observations of the Union tribal welfare minister as these are not based on facts,” said B K Mohanty, advisor, SGAT, a non-profit making professional body dedicated to promotion of mineral development. SGAT observed that if bauxite bearing plateaus are left unexploited, the tribals inhabiting the area will be deprived of engagement to support their livelihood. Mohanty pointed out that mining of bauxite in Panchpatmalli plateau in Koraput district by National Aluminium Company (Nalco) for last 27 years has not impacted the flow of water in the streams originating below the bauxite layer. Instead, the barren land has been transformed into greenery following bauxite extraction. SGAT also urged the Royalty Revision Committee under Union mines ministry to address Odisha government’s demand for hike in iron ore royalty rates and its allegations against Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) for faulty sales price formula, resulting in revenue loss to the state. With the state government stalling the grant of mineral concessions for coal blocks following a CBI enquiry into the latest coal scandal, SGAT has called for expediting grant of prospecting license (PL) and mining lease (ML). On Mines and Minerals Development & Regulation (MMDR) Bill-2011, currently under active consideration of the standing committee on coal and steel of Lok Sabha, SGAT felt that the objective of the Bill can be achieved by insertion of few clauses and amending some others in the MMDR Act 1957 to make it more investment friendly. It suggested redrafting of the new bill by the committee of experts.