OREANDA-NEWS. The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that mining activities in the Reserved Forests and other forests areas in the country, including in the State of Jharkhand, are being carried out as per the provisions contained in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The use of forest land (Protected / Reserved forests) for non-forestry purposes including mining requires prior approval of the Central Government under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The detail in the matter is not maintained centrally in the Ministry of Mines.