The Union Minister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs – Pralhad Joshi noted that the central government is making continuous efforts to encourage mining exploration in the Northeastern regions.
Addressing the first “Northeast Geology & Mining Ministers’ Conclave” at Nagaland, the Union Minister said that the North East region has been accorded top priority for development under the Prime Minister’s agenda of transforming India.
Addressed the 1st-ever Geology & Mining Conclave in Dimapur, Nagaland. Spoke about noteworthy steps taken by the Northeast States under PM @NarendraModi Ji’s #ActEast Policy. Emphasised on mineral exploration in NER which will further the economic development in the region. pic.twitter.com/fmvUUQbbA7
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) October 31, 2022
During the event, North-East Mines and Coal Ministers’ committee put forward their concerns and demands before the Union Minister. Responding to the same, Joshi noted that the Northeastern region is the focus point of India’s ‘Act East Policy’.
“Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken up 108 projects in NER on different mineral commodities during the last five years and 23 mineral exploration projects on various commodities in NER in current field season 2022-23. The Government is also funding projects through National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET),” – he added.
Besides, two mineral exploration projects of limestone & Iron ore of Nagaland funded by NMET have been already completed. NMET is also providing financial assistance for procurement of machinery/ laboratory equipment/instruments etc. to State DGMs upto 10% of the total approved exploration projects in year.
A Joint Working Group has been constituted by Ministry of Mines for different states to resolve several issues related to the process of auctioning.
Assuring NE region of complete support, Joshi further stated that the Ministry through GSI and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) can organize training program for state Geologist and other functionaries for their capacity building. Such programs can be organized by GSI in its Shillong Centre or GSITI at Hyderabad as per the convenience of states.
The Union Minister also pointed out his concerns regarding auctioning process in the NE region and urged the state governments to resolve the issues pertaining to auction in different states of North East region.
He added that the establishment of resources and their successful auction will bring economic prosperity through revenue augmentation, employment generation, industry influx which will further lead to overall growth and development of the NER.
“The successful auctioning of the blocks can also act as a catalyst to bring other financing sources to the region,” – he claimed.
Speaking with media persons, the Union Minister said that the state government is keenly examining the environmental implications of coal and oil exploration while also ensuring that the rich mineral resources are properly exploited for the benefit of the region.
The Additional Secretary in Ministry of Mines – Sanjay Lohiya remarked that the Ministry is focused on increasing the pace of exploration of minerals in the country as well as on auction of mineral blocks.
“GSI is focusing on completing National Baseline Geoscience Data Generation programme in the country and has increased focus on exploration of critical minerals in the NE region. Recently three projects of more than Rs. 10 crore have been sanctioned from NMET to the state of Assam,” – he added.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Mines and its bodies GSI, IBM, MECL will be extending full support to the state governments. Expressing hope, Lohiya stated that the conclave will go a long way in improving mining and geological activities in the region.
Furthermore, the Union Minister – Pralhad Joshi today visited the GSI office in Dimapur. This is one of the 84 site offices identified by the Ministry throughout India for implementing 116 Swachhta Campaigns.
During his visit, the Union Minister inspected the office premises and planted saplings in the GSI premises. He was accompanied by the Additional Secretary in Ministry of Mines – Sanjay Lohiya and Joint Secretary – Farida Naik.
