Parmar reviews functioning of Mining Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Principal Secretary Mining Department, Ashok Kumar Parmar today chaired a meeting to discuss various issues of the department.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment, Director Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing J&K, Director Geology and Mining, Director Finance, Mining Department, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd. Corporation.
At the outset, Director Geology and Mining, J&K briefed the Principal Secretary about the procedure adopted by the Department of Geology and Mining in e-auction of Minor Mineral Blocks and grant of Mining Leases.
The Principal Secretary discussed important issues like issuance of Environmental Clearances (ECs) and Consent to Operate (CTO) for operationalization of remaining Minor Mineral Blocks with the Commissioner Secretary Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment and Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K and they impressed for expediting the pending cases of ECS before March 31st 2022.
A detailed and threadbare discussion was held with the Commissioner Secretary Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K and Director, Geology and Mining, J&K for extending validity of Letter of Intents (LOIs) already issued in favour of the Project Proponents beyond 31st March, 2022 to enable operationalization of maximum number of e-auction Minor Mineral Blocks within minimum possible time period.
Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary Mining Department also discussed the detailed exploration/ prospecting of Sapphire mines in Paddar area of District Kishtwar of J&K UT with MD, JKML regarding the report submitted by Geological Survey of India to Government of Jammu and Kashmir titled “Reconnaissance Survey of Gem-stones (Sapphire, Ruby etc) and REE at west of Machail area, Kishtwar District, J&K.”
In this regard, MD, JKML informed the Principal Secretary Mining that the Mining Department has already sent a proposal to the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India with the recommendations for their consideration:
It was decided to entrust the job of detailed geological investigations/prospecting of Paddar Sapphire mines as recommended in the GSI report in the coming session 2022-23 to Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL) or any other specialized Government agency.
Besides, the meeting also decided for the arrangement of required funds involved in such exploration/prospecting through National Mineral Exploration Principal Secretary, Mining Department issued several decisions which include.