Mining exploration and research in steel are thrust areas: Narendra Singh Tomar

KOLKATA: Union minister of steel and mines, Narendra Singh Tomar has said mining exploration and research in steel are thrust areas of government. Elaborating on this, the minister said the National Mineral Exploration Trust has been set up and various mineral exploration works have been fastened in the country.

Measures are also being taken to prevent illegal mining and fines prescribed to curb such activity. Government is making every effort to protect the environment in mining areas the minister said at a press meet in Bhopal on Monday, where he highlighted the achievements of the Modi government after completion of one year in power. The royalty on mines has been increased to benefit all the states in India. The government has also put coal mines on auction as per the directions of the Supreme Court which led to more than Rs 2 lakh crore flowing into the exchequer, Tomar added

The minister reiterated the government’s focus on modernization of Steel Authority of India’s steel plants. SAIL has set a target of achieving 50 million tonne of production by 2025 at an expense of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore, he added.

“The concept of Make in India which has been advocated by the Prime Minister is a step towards value addition and creating more employment opportunities,” Tomar said during the press meet in which, Vishnu Deo Sai, union minister of state for steel and mines was also present.

Tomar said he met the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh to discuss various pending issues in mining and compliance of issues raised during the Global Investor Summit held in Indore. He said that the proposals from various Public Sector Companies for new mining leases and mineral prospecting leases as well as for setting up of steel plants and power plants were also part of the agenda and that these issues were discussed threadbare at the meeting.