Harnessing transparency initiatives to improve India’s environmental clearance process for the mineral mining sector

This study evaluated the impact of a set of reforms to the environmental clearance process in India, which included subjecting larger projects to scrutiny from regulators, independent experts and the public. Mines that applied for clearance after the reforms experienced substantially shorter clearance times, but were more likely to deforest illegally before receiving clearance. Public hearings did not significantly alter the costs or benefits of the clearance process.