Government aiming at more explorations for underground mineral deposits : Prahlad Joshi
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Union Coal and Mines Minister Prahlad Joshi has said that the government is aiming at more explorations for underground mineral deposits to augment the non-petroleum and iron ore sectors' contribution to GDP within a decade. He also said a total 430 blocks at the G2, G3 and G4 levels have been explored across the country and the reports about the exploration have been handed over to states concerned.
The minister said ‘the contribution of the mining sector to GDP is less than one per cent and I am talking about minerals other than petroleum products and (iron) ore. As envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have to take it (contribution) to at least 2.5 per cent by 2030. I told the GSI to expedite its exploration projects.’ He also said in early 2021 the prime minister had directed to bring some major reforms in the mining sector and ensure that every stakeholder was informed about the changes.
He further said ‘within 16-17 months (of the PM's direction), 100 blocks have already been auctioned after being delineated by GSI.’ Talking about the ambitious Deocha Pachami coal block project of the West Bengal government, he said ‘If there is any issue, let them (the state) come to us (mining department). We are willing to play our part to settle the issues’.
