Latest news with #2ndNorthEastGeologyandMiningMinisters'Conclave
India Gazette
14 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Kishan Reddy attends 2nd North-East Mining Ministers' conclave, highlights boost in infrastructure
Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy attended the 2nd North-East Mining Ministers' Conclave in Guwahati on Friday, where he underlined the government's commitment to developing the mining sector in the northeastern region and praised the state of Assam for its steps against illegal mining. Speaking to mediapersons at the event, the Union Minister said, 'The Mining and Coal Ministry is organising the 2nd North-East Mining Ministers' Conclave. We want to encourage the northeastern states in the mining sector.' Reddy also emphasised the significance of the eight northeastern states, often referred to as the Ashtalakshmi states, in India's growth narrative. He said, 'Under the leadership of PM Modi, we want to strengthen the Ashtalakshmi states further.' Highlighting the progress made in the region over the past decade, the minister noted that the northeast has witnessed a big boost in infrastructure in the last 11 years. He added, 'The PM himself has visited the northeast more than 60 times in these past years.' Reddy also praised the Assam government for taking strong steps against illegal mining. 'Assam govt has stopped illegal mining in the state,' he said. The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal and the Government of Assam, organised the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave on June 27-28 in Guwahati. The conclave, being held under the Government of India's vision of 'Viksit Bharat,' will witness participation from all eight North Eastern states. The Chief Minister of Assam graced the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside Mining and Geology Ministers from across the region. The event aimed to promote sustainable and scientific mining, improve the ease of doing business in the resource sector, and strengthen centre-state coordination for balanced regional development. Building on the success of the first conclave held in Nagaland, this year's edition will feature a series of impactful sessions and releases. The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, also presents the latest findings on mineral exploration and unveils key publications dedicated to the region's geology and resource profile. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between central agencies and state governments to accelerate mineral exploration. The conclave will also feature NLC India Ltd.'s ambitious plans to set up 1,000 MW of solar power capacity in Assam, contributing to the national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. The two-day conclave signifies a strong convergence of efforts between the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Coal, aligning energy security with regional development and environmental sustainability. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for future investments, innovation, and inclusive growth in the North Eastern Region. (ANI)
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Assam enters national auction map as northeast's mineral potential unveiled
Guwahati: VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underscored that the Geological Survey of India has identified over 36,000 square kilometres in the Northeast India as having mineral potential, translating to nearly 3,000 prospective mines. He highlighted that Assam has now firmly entered the national auction map, signalling a new era for mineral development. The 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam on Friday. He called for expanding exploration and research, including leveraging Artificial Intelligence in mineral discovery. Notably, the North East is home to one of India's first AI-supported exploration projects sanctioned under the National Mineral Exploration Trust. The Secretary urged all state governments to actively facilitate exploration, considering the challenging topography, and to ensure sustainability and adequate security for geologists working in remote areas. The inaugural session was addressed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma he shared that state has initiated the auction of seven limestone blocks in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district, with five already auctioned and Letters of Intent issued, and the remaining two expected to be auctioned by August 2025. He expressed confidence that, with the support of the Government of India and Indian Bureau of Mines, at least one of these limestone blocks could be operationalised by December 2025. Live Events The Chief Minister informed that during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, the Mines and Minerals Department signed 14 MoUs securing investment commitments exceeding Rs 46,000 crore from national and international investors. He assured the gathering of Assam's conducive working environment and announced that the state cabinet has approved the formation of the Assam State Mineral Trust to promote sustainable mining and exploration of minor minerals. He added that the Assam Mineral Policy is in its final stage of formulation and is expected to be implemented within a month. Addressing the Conclave, Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, underscored the North East's critical role in India's mining and energy roadmap. He emphasised that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the mineral-rich states of the North East are now receiving focused attention to transform untapped resources into drivers of economic growth, employment, and local empowerment. The Minister reaffirmed the Centre's full support to all North Eastern states to develop state-specific mining action plans and stressed the importance of environmentally responsible, technologically advanced mining practices. He also highlighted the need to align mineral initiatives with disaster preparedness, scientific research, and community development. Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the North East's strategic importance for India's energy security, owing to its rich tertiary coal deposits across Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim. These deposits, he noted, are characterised by high calorific value, low ash, and relatively higher sulphur content. He shared that 10% of funds under Central Sector funded schemes for Exploration have been earmarked specifically for the North East, underscoring the need for targeted exploration initiatives. The Secretary also informed that five coal blocks in the region have been successfully auctioned, with a combined capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum, expected to create around 1,650 jobs and generate nearly Rs 800 crore in annual revenue for the states. He reiterated that sustainability remains central to the Ministry's coal development strategy in the region. During the inaugural session, significant documents were released, including the Geological Potential of Northeast India which contains the details of the vast yet underexplored mineral resources of the eight Northeast States, laying the roadmap for strategic exploration, research, augmentation and sustainable development. The document on Mining in India's Northeast by the Indian Bureau of Mines was also released. The Ministry of Mines unveiled updated District Resource Maps covering Dibrugarh (Assam), East Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh), Kamjong (Manipur), East Garo (Meghalaya), Aizawl (Mizoram), Phek (Nagaland), Namchi (Sikkim), and Gomati (Tripura) to guide future investments. India's mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since FY 2024–25, a total of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues for industrial growth and employment in the region. These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-East to play a central role in India's critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the government's commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation. The conclave is expected to serve as a catalyst for accelerating investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in the mineral and coal sectors of the North Eastern Region, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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Business Standard
16 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Northeast can be national model for sustainable mining: G Kishan Reddy
With its rich biodiversity and deep-rooted community traditions, the Northeast region has the potential to set a 'national benchmark for sustainable and inclusive mining,' Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy has said. Speaking at the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave held in Guwahati on Friday, Reddy said lawful and sustainable mining practices are vital to protect the sensitive ecology of the Northeast region. 'The Central government will provide complete support and technological expertise to enhance real-time monitoring and enforcement at the ground level,' he added. The two-day conclave, organised by the Ministries of Coal and Mines and the Assam government, is aimed at stepping up mineral and coal exploration in the Northeast states, with an eye on boosting industrial growth, energy security and regional development. The Union minister released several documents, including Geological Potential on North East and Mining in India's North East, Book on Coal Resources and Exploration in North East Region, and a brochure on commercial coal mining in the North Eastern Region (NER). 'These publications showcase the potential of mineral resources in the NER and the roadmap for their strategic exploration and sustainable development,' said Reddy. Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma released eight thematic District Resource Maps pertaining to the NER, prepared by the Geological Survey of India, which provide insights on mineral deposits and further exploration activities in the region. The conclave comes at a time when mineral auctions are gaining pace across India. In FY25, 283 mineral blocks were put up for auction, with 161 awarded so far. The cumulative total now stands at 515 auctioned blocks, including five from Assam and four from Arunachal Pradesh, said the Ministry of Mines in a statement on Thursday. Reddy emphasised the role of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) and offshore mining in critical mineral exploration. These reforms are already bringing 'great results' across the mining regions of India, including the Northeast, he said. 'With over 1.78 billion tonnes of coal spread across the 20 coalfields, along with lignite, limestone, natural gas and base metal reserves, the Northeast holds huge strategic economic importance in this region,' he added. The minister emphasised employment and revenue generation opportunities that the mineral blocks would create. 'For the first time, four critical mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five major mineral blocks in Assam have been auctioned successfully,' he said. Their operationalisation is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and revenue for the state governments in the region, he added. He announced the Mines Ministry will sanction a token amount of Rs 10 crore to each Northeastern state to encourage employment. The Coal Minister highlighted the government's infrastructure push with the Highways, Internet, Railways and Airport (HIRA) model of development in the Northeast, saying the region is fast emerging as a centre of economic growth and a vital link to Southeast Asian markets. The government has built 11,000 kilometres of highways, hundreds of mobile towers, extensive new railway lines, doubled the number of airports, developed waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, and established a 1,600-kilometre-long Northeast gas grid to ensure reliable energy supply for industries, he said. 'With these reforms, the region is emerging as a centre of growth, and fundamental to India's Act East policy,' he added. Reddy also noted that India's trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) currently stands at approximately $125 billion and is projected to exceed $200 billion in the coming years. 'This positions the Northeast as a strategic trade bridge and a gateway to ASEAN markets,' he said.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave in Guwahati starting Friday
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): In a major step towards unlocking the mineral and coal potential of the North Eastern Region, the Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal and the Government of Assam, is organising the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers' Conclave on June 27-28 in Guwahati. The conclave, being held under the Government of India's vision of 'Viksit Bharat,' will witness participation from all eight North Eastern states. The Chief Minister of Assam will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside Mining and Geology Ministers from across the region. The event aims to promote sustainable and scientific mining, improve the ease of doing business in the resource sector, and strengthen centre-state coordination for balanced regional development. Building on the success of the first conclave held in Nagaland, this year's edition will feature a series of impactful sessions and releases. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines will present the latest findings on mineral exploration and unveil key publications dedicated to the region's geology and resource profile. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed between central agencies and state governments to accelerate mineral exploration. The Ministry of Mines will also highlight progress under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), which has been supporting several ongoing exploration projects in the region. India's mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since 2024-25, a total of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161 mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues for industrial growth and employment in the region. These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-East to play a central role in India's critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the government's commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation. In parallel, the Ministry of Coal will launch two important publications during the conclave -- the 'Report on Coal Resources & Exploration in North Eastern Region' and a dedicated brochure on commercial coal mining in North East states. These documents reflect the substantial progress made in recent years, including the successful auction of five coal blocks in the North East region, with a combined peak rated capacity of 1.234 million tonnes per annum. With over 3.9 lakh meters of drilling planned and 100 per cent utilisation of R&D funds, the Ministry is actively promoting sustainable and smart coal mining practices in the region. The conclave will also feature NLC India Ltd.'s ambitious plans to set up 1,000 MW of solar power capacity in Assam, contributing to the national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. The two-day conclave signifies a strong convergence of efforts between the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Coal, aligning energy security with regional development and environmental sustainability. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for future investments, innovation, and inclusive growth in the North Eastern Region. (ANI)
