State Geological Programme Board held a meeting for works relating to exploration and mining of minerals. The meeting chaired by Secretary Mineral Resources Sheo Shekhar Shukla was attended by members of various Central Government bodies including Geological Survey of India, Indian Mining Bureau, Mineral Exploration Corporation, Central Mine Plan & Designing Institute, Bilaspur, National Mineral Corporation, Hyderabad, State Mining Corporation, Bhopal, Directorate of Geology and Mining, Bhopal and multinational companies.
Secretary Mineral Resources Shukla said that mineral deposits’ assessment and certification should be done as per present-day scenario and requirement of the sector so that mineral-based industries are opened, state’s development is ensured and new employment opportunities can be created.
The meeting also discussed prospecting works undertaken by the department during the year 2013-14 and geological
operations in 2014-15.
It was informed that prospecting survey was undertaken in 12 thousand 801 square kilometre area in the state during financial year 2013-14 and drilling was undertaken as per exploration in 5139.65 meters. Prospecting survey of dolomite was done in Chhatarpur and limestone in Satna. In Chhatarpur, 6.07 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 3910.15 meter drilling was also done. Work of preparing inventory of minerals is being undertaken in Balaghat, Bhopal, Sagar and Indore districts of which work has been completed in Indore and Bhopal districts.
Besides, private entrepreneurs are being encouraged for exploring new mineral deposits. Private companies have been granted 9 reconnaissance permits for diamond, basic minerals and precious minerals
Revenue from minerals has increased in the state. It was Rs2940.70 crore in year 2013-14 which is 68 percent more than last year. Revenue worth Rs1539.65 was recovered during action taken by flying squads. A target has been set for revenue recoveries to the tune of Rs3200 crore during year 2014-15.