Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 3: Minister for Planning and Development, Labour and Employment, Ajay Sadhotra on behalf of Industries and Commerce Minister, replying to a Calling Attention notice of Jugal Kishore informed the House that Magnesite ores are located at Painthal area near Katra.
The Minister said that taking into account the nature of these deposits the estimated and mineable reserves of high grade Magnesite has been established at 2.5 million tonnes. He said that in the year 1988-89 under a joint venture arrangement, National Mineral Development Corporation Limited (A Government of India Undertaking) and J&K Minerals Limited (A J&K Government Undertaking) decided to develop these deposits and use the ore as feed material for production of Dead Burnt Magnesite (DBM) at Panthal, Reasi with an equity ratio of 74:26 respectively. He said for variety of reasons the project activities were kept on hold and the project remained dormant for more than 20 years, adding that the project was reviewed in Feb 2009 and after proper evaluation it was decided that the project will be revised.
Mr. Sadhotra said that according to the revised Project Report and Due Diligence Report were got prepared to ascertain viability of the project. After vigorous efforts requisite formalities for realization of the project now stands completed, he said, adding that at present, the civil work for developing necessary infrastructure including other packages of the project are going on at Panthal, Reasi. He said the technology package of the project is under process and the project is likely to be launched in two years period with investment of Rs. 160 crore approximately. The expected employment to be generated is about 250 for Magnesite mine as well as DMB plant at 100 per cent rated capacity of production.
The Minister said that as per the mapping done by the Geology and Mining Department no limestone deposit of economic importance have been found in the areas of Panthal and Jangalgali of districts, Reasi and Udhampur respectively.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel