By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Mines Ministry approved Rs. 154.84 crores to National Mineral Exploration Trust for exploration and enhancing capabilities. This was decided at the Executive Committee meeting of National Mineral Exploration Trust under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Vivek Bharadwaj.
The mineral exploration project includes Graphite, Iron, Coal, Zinc & associated minerals, Bauxite, Basemetal (Pb, Zn & Cu), Phosphorite/Glauconitic sandstone, PGE & associated minerals (Chromium, Nickel, Cobalt), Tin & associated minerals, Manganese and Limestone to boost the mineral exploration in the country.
Financial assistance for enhancing mineral exploration and institutional capabilities of Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and State DGMs/DMGs was also approved.
These mineral exploration projects and financial assistance to the exploration agencies will provide auctionable mineral blocks to the nation and will help in realizing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat in mining sector.