Assam to frame modalities for mining and exploration

The govt would work on developing mineral bearing areas of the state and expedite the exploration exercise of mines and minerals in Assam

Assam will "soon" set up a committee to frame modalities for exploration of mines in the state. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said the government would work on developing mineral bearing areas of the state and expedite the exploration exercise of mines and minerals in Assam.

Disclosing this at a meeting with the Union minister for mines and steel, Narendra Singh Tomar, Gogoi said the committee would facilitate exploration activities and suggest ways and means for the development of mineral bearing areas of the state. The committee will have Joint Secretary from the government of India and senior officer from the department of mines. The Union minister assured to extend all possible support to the state government's bid in expediting the exploration activities.

Assam has substantial mineral reserves of limestone, iron-ore, sillimanite and granite. Other minerals found in the state are dolomite, corundum, feldspar, glass-sand, refractory and fire clays, kaolin, beryl, gypsum, pyrite, vermiculite, salt, copper, gold etc.

Moreover, considering the importance of mines and minerals in stimulating growth of the region, the meeting also decided to act for exploration of lime stones, iron ores and other rare minerals found in Assam. It was also decided to form District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Assam in mineral bearing districts to sensitise 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 (SAIL) in Silchar.

The stockyard of SAIL in Silchar would improve supply of steel to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern districts of Assam. The Union minister also offered to take up detailed exploration of minerals in the state for development of industry in this area.

Tomar also informed about setting up of National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) for giving due emphasis to exploration. Actions taken for implementation of the Act also came up for discussion during the meeting.