Emphasis was laid on discharge of duties by agencies associated with exploration and mining of minerals through better coordination at the 47th meeting of State Geological Programme Board here on Friday.
Representatives of all agencies have been asked to certify mineral deposits after assessment as per requirement so that mineral-based industries can be set up in the state.
The meeting chaired by Secretary Mineral Resources Ajatshatru Shrivastava discussed last financial year's mineral exploration works and current financial year's geology works undertaken by the department.
Representatives of various Central Government institutions - Geological Survey of India, Mining Bureau of India, Mining Corporation of India, Hyderabad, State Mining Corporation, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Director Geology and Mining and Member-Secretary State Geological Programme Board Shri V.K. Austin attended the meeting.
Secretary Ajatshatru said that mining sector was poised to enter a new era. In ancient India, Kautilya had laid emphasis on paying attention to minerals to boost economy in his book Arthshastra. Importance of minerals continued since then till date. He said that a workshop is proposed to be held on diamonds.
It was informed that prospecting survey was undertaken in 14,377 square kilometre area in the State during the last fiscal. These included limestone, dolomite and coal deposits. Drilling was undertaken as per exploration in 5330.25 meters. Prospecting survey of dolomite was done in Chhatarpur and limestone in Satna.
In Chhatarpur, 6.37 MT deposits of dolomite have been assessed and in Satna district, 15 MT deposits of limestone. Survey for coal was done in Raj Nagar and Govinda area of Anuppur district where 3405.88 meter drilling was also done. Work of preparing inventory of minerals has been completed in Sagar and Indore districts this year.
VK Austin informed that private entrepreneurs are being encouraged for exploring new mineral deposits. Private companies have been granted reconnaissance permits for diamond, basic minerals and precious minerals in 11,560 square kilometre area in various districts.
During exploration, Messrs Rio Tinto has found possibility of deposits of gold, nickel, platinum and palladium in Chhatarpur district. Petroleum exploration licences have also been issued to petroleum companies for exploration of oil and natural gas in the state.
Austin informed that revenue from minerals has increased in the State which stood at `2915.83 crore in year 2012-13, which is 68 per cent more than last year.
The Government has set a target of `2520 crore revenue receipts during year 2013-14. The Government has also ensured effective action against illegal mining and transport of minerals.
Revenue worth `1286.76 was recovered during action taken by flying squads during last year.