Section 8B: Provisions for transfer of statutory clearances.

(1) The provisions of this section shall apply to minerals, other than the minerals specified in Part A and Part B of the First Schedule.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, the successful bidder of mining leases expiring under the provisions of sub-sections (5) and (6) of section 8A and selected through auction as per the procedure provided under this Act and the rules made thereunder, shall be deemed to have acquired all valid rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like vested with the previous lessee for a period of two years:

Provided that subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, such new lessee shall apply and obtain all necessary rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like within a period of two years from the date of grant of new lease.

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, it shall be lawful for the new lessee to continue mining operations on the land, in which mining operations were being carried out by the previous lessee, for a period of two years from the date of commencement of the new lease.]