Karnataka to build geo database for mapping mineral zones

Based on GIS application system, the department of mines and geology has so far digitized 4,500 mining leases in the state

The Karnataka government has embarked on a project to build a geo database on GIS application system for mapping mineralized zones, developing mineral atlas, data on existing leases, which will be helpful to process the mining applications online.

 

The department of mines and geology (DMG) has undertaken this project. Under this project, up to the end of October 2012, the department has completed digitization of 4,500 leases for various minerals in the state, the government said in the Economic Survey of Karnataka for 2012-13.

 

The main objective of the project is to delineate the mineral belts on various potential zones in the state by adopting remote sensing techniques marking the free hold areas for the benefit of the entrepreneurs, the Survey, which was tabled in the state assembly last week, said.

 

The data will be fetched to the department website. The existing data displayed on the website will be utilized by industries for filing of online application for mining lease from elsewhere.

 

As per directions of the ministry of mines, government of India, the DMG has undertaken a project on online Mining Tenement Registry on a pilot basis in Bellary district. Under this programme, all the village maps / khasra map numbering 599 have been digitized in the scale of 1:4,000 all over the state and further, this work will be extended to Gulbarga district.

 

The information pertaining to mining lease application and lease details will be incorporated, on these cadastral maps using GIS technology. Further, a data centre and server will be established in the Directorate, Bangalore.

 

Under this programme, digitization of maps and other geological data would be undertaken and cadastral maps, computers, related software and other infrastructure would be procured.

 

The department also intends to use advanced equipment such as GPS mounted magnetometer and high-end computers with software for proving the exploration data. It is also proposed to establish mobile squads and to procure RFID and GPS instruments to curb illegal transportation of minerals.