The Society of Geologists and Allied Technologists (SGAT), an apex body of geologists and mining experts, has demanded that the Centre earmark a mining corridor for hassle-free exploration of minerals in the country.
SGAT adviser BK Mohanty said the only 7 per cent to 9 per cent of the potential minerals-rich areas in the country has been explored by now. This is against 100 per cent geophysical and geochemical surveys in Australia and other minerals-rich countries in the world. Mohanty said the mineral exploration cannot be carried out in the country because of the forest and environment laws. He suggested that the Centre notify areas as mining corridor and relax the laws so that exploration of minerals could be carried out with ease. Mohanty said the Geological Survey of India and the Mining Exploration Corporation of India (MECI) should be entrusted with the job of explorations in the proposed mining corridor.
“It is unfortunate that the country does not know what exactly its real mineral wealth is,” he lamented. He said the 1993 New Mineral Policy to attract foreign investments in mining explorations has failed because of the cumbersome process of getting forest and environment clearances for activities in forest areas. SGAT president SK Sarangi informed that the SGAT is organising an international seminar on ‘Developments in Mineral Exploration Techniques: Strategy and Challenges’ on Saturday and Sunday where 150 delegates from various countries would deliberate on the modern technology available for mining exploration. Trade Commissioner for Australia Trade Commission (Austrade) Tom Calder and the GSI Director General would grace the seminar, he added