Panel to decide modalities on mineral exploration

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 19: In a bid to develop mineral bearing areas of the state and to expedite the exploration exercise of the mines and minerals in the state, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that his government will soon constitute a committee which would decide on the modalities of the exploration and other peripheral areas related to exploration. Disclosing this at a meeting with the Union Cabinet Minister for Mines and Steel rendra Singh Tomar at his official residence in Guwahati this evening, Gogoi exhorted that the committee will facilitate exploration activities and suggest ways and means for the development of mineral bearing areas of the State.

The committee will have a Joint Secretary from the Government of India and a senior officer from the Department of Mines. The Union Cabinet Minister rendra Singh Tomar assured to extend all possible support in the State Government’s bid in expediting the exploration activities.

Moreover, considering the importance of mines and minerals in stimulating growth of a region and its inherent potential in generating employment avenues the meeting also decided to act with renewed vigour in exploration of lime stones, iron ores and other rare minerals found in Assam. Moreover, it was also decided to form District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Assam in mineral bearing districts to sensitize overall development of mineral bearing areas and its people. The meeting also decided to chalk-out comprehensive strategy for identification and planning for judicious exploration of minerals in the state in a time bound manner. It was also decided in the meeting to set up a stockyard of Steel Authority of India Limited in Silchar.

The meeting was also attended by the top officials of the Central and State Governments.