Two-day seminar on ‘Indian Mining: Present Scenario & Future Perspective’ inaugurated on Friday 

 “Mining sector of Jammu and Kashmir has a lot of potential to contribute to country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after all mines are operationalised,” said Dr Raj Kumar, Deputy Director, Department of Geology & Mining, Jammu and Kashmir. He was delivering his presentation on ‘Present Scenario and Future Perspective of Mining in Jammu and Kashmir, India’ at the two-day national seminar on ‘Indian Mining: Present Scanty & Future Perspective’, organised by Mining Engineers Association of India (MEAI), Nagpur at Hotel Radisson Blu on Friday. Peeyush Narayan Sharma, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), and Chairman, MEAI, Nagpur Chapter, was present as the chief guest for the programme. Pankaj Kulshrestha,

 

Chief Controller of Mines, MES, IBM, Nagpur; Dhananjay Reddy, Vice-President-I, MEAI were present as guests of honour for the programme. Dr Yogesh Kale, Controller of Mines (CZ), IBM Nagpur, and Secretary, MEAI, Nagpur Chapter, was also prominently present. Dr Raj Kumar, in his presentation, explained that the State of Jammu and Kashmir has abundance of mineral resources of various kinds which can become very important for development of the region if explored properly. “

 

In Jammu and Kashmir, all major and minor mines were opened for lease in 2016. But, only 5 out of 36 mines of Limestone, major mineral in the State, are operational due to one reason or the other,” stated Dr Raj Kumar. He also gave examples of minor mineral Gypsum, gemstones like Sapphire and other minerals which can be explored for the benefit of people if the industry finds ways of extracting them within the guidelines of the authorities. Peeyush Narayan Sharma, while speaking during the inaugural session, encouraged the mining industry to focus on processing of minerals long with mining.

 

He said, “In order to meet the challenges of the future and succeed, the industry must come together and prepare with a view of 360 degree.” He said that the collective force of various individual efforts often produce desired results. Pankaj Kulshrestha, in his address, said that along with processing, exploration is a must activity for the mining industry. “Whatever resources we have, will not be available after 25 years if we continue at same rate of production of today.” Dhananjay Reddy also addressed the gathering. Dr Yogesh Kale made the introductory remarks while Srushti Singh compered the programme.