Assam’s crude oil reserve may last 55 years

GUWAHATI, Oct 5: Assam still has 200 million metric ton (MMT) of crude oil reserve which could be used for various purposes for the next 55 years.

Sharing such information on the floor of Assam Assembly on Friday, Minister of Department of Mines & Sum Ronhang said the natural gas a reserve of 102815 million cubic meter which could be used for another 41 years. Coal and lime has 320 MMT and 650 MMT reserves respectively. While coal reserves could be used for 100 years, lime could last 200 years.

On other hand Ronghang said studies have found that the State has massive quantum of mines and minerals which are yet to be explored. Melamine has 1 MMT reserve followed by 10 MMT of ore, 150 MMT of glass sand, .80 MMT of calamine, 364 million cubic meter of granitite and 13 MMT of fuller’s earth.

“Assam could be a massive storehouse of mines and minerals. If explored and exploited properly it could be a game changer for the State’s economy,” Ronghang said.

Ronghang said Assam has received Rs 20472 crore as oil royalty from OIL and ONGC in between 2006-07 and 2018-19. He said the State is yet to receive Rs 3390 crore on the same account.