Chumoukedima, October 31 (MTNews): The Union Minister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs – Pralhad Joshi stated 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 Niathu Resort, Chumukedima, 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.
“North-Eastern Region is the focus point of India’s Act East Policy,” he said.
He added that 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),” Joshi added.
He claimed that two mineral exploration projects of limestone and 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 a year,” he added.
Assuring NE region of complete support, Joshi further stated that the Ministry through GSI and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) can organize training programs for state geologists and other functionaries for their capacity building.
“We are ready to take whatever decision needs to be taken in the interest of the northeast region,” Joshi added.
Joshi also shared his concerns regarding the auctioning process in the NE region and urged the state governments to resolve the issues pertaining to auction in different states of the 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 added.
The Union Minister further added that the government is also 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.