In a major step towards unlocking the mineral and coal potential of the North Eastern Region (NER), the Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal and the Government of Assam has organised the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers’ Conclave in Guwahati. The conclave held with the vision ‘Viksit Bharat,’ witnessed the participation of Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy.
Addressing the conclave, Reddy, said, “Lawful and sustainable mining practices are vital to protect the sensitive ecology of the Northeast region.”
He further added that the Central government will provide complete support and technological expertise to enhance real-time monitoring and enforcement at the ground level.
The event aims to promote sustainable and scientific mining, improve ease of doing business in the resource sector and strengthen centre-state coordination for balanced regional development.
The Union Minister urged the Northea’st State Governments to initiate necessary reforms and develop time-bound, concrete action plans to fully tap into their rich mineral reserves, in line with other mineral-rich states.
The Union Minister also released several documents, including Geological Potential on North East and Mining in India’s North East, Book on Coal Resources and Exploration in Northeast Region and a brochure on commercial coal mining in the North Eastern Region. Also signed MoUs between the Geological Survey of India and various Central & State Govt agencies in the NE states to boost mineral exploration and regional landslide forecasting in the region.
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma post attending the conclave said, “The North East region holds immense potential in the mining sector with abundant availability of natural resources. At the 2nd Northeast Mining Ministers’ Conclave, an excellent platform to deliberate on the future of mining in the region, balancing environmental needs, Ministers from all NE states and industry stakeholders have converged to chart a new way.”
He also added the focus is on sustainability and zero waste mining aligning with the principle of Circular economy, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on development aligned with the environment. “Assam, recently has seen over ₹46,000cr of commitment in this sector and we have also approved the State Mineral Exploration Trust to boost minor mineral exploration. We are also opening up the sector and bringing in required reforms to sustainably exploit the opportunities that lie in the region.”
