Assam to form committee to intensify mineral exploration in the state

KOLKATA: The Assam government has decided to form a committee under the chairmanship of the state’s additional chief secretary (mines) to boost mineral exploration in the state. The committee, which will work to expedite and intensify exploration activities in Assam, will comprise officials from the Geological Survey of India and government of India. The development assumes significance in the wake of a promising leads of rare earth minerals that have been identified in parts of lower Assam.

This was the outcome of a meeting between union minister for steel & mines Narendra Singh Tomar and Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi in Guwahati on Tuesday, in which the two leaders discussed issues pertaining to development steel & mines sector in Assam and the North-East. The minister was accompanied by senior officials from ministry of steel and mines.

Following the meeting, Tomar offered assistance to take up detailed exploration of minerals in the state for development of industry in this area. The minister also announced setting up of a stocking facility at Silchar for SAIL products. This facility of consignment agent in Silchar, is aimed at improving supply of steel to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the southern districts of Assam.

Tomar also shared details of the MMDR Act 2015 and explained how it will help usher in greater transparency and ease of doing business, besides making a provision of funds for development of areas affected by mining through the mechanism of District Mineral Foundation (DMF). He also shared information about setting up of National Mineral Exploration Trust ( NMET) to fund exploration activity. During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed action taken for implementation of the Act.