MINERALS IN UTTARANCHAL

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RAJYA SABHA

Newly formed Uttaranchal State has estimated reserves of 206.4 million tonnes of dolomite, 1540.9 million tonnes of limestone, 272.6 million tonnes of magnesite, 27.3 million tonnes of rock phosphate and 106.4 million tonnes of talc/soapstone/steatite. The data is given in the Indian Mineral Yearbook 2002, published by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). This figure is based on calculations made upto April, 2000.

This information was given by the Minister for Mines Shri Ramesh Bais in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today. Regarding commercial exploitation of these minerals, the Minister said mineral concessions are granted by the State Governments under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 and Rules made there under. For minerals specified under the First Schedule to the aforesaid Act, prior approval of the Central Government is required before grant of mineral concessions. As per the National Mineral Policy 1993, the exploration and exploitation of all the above minerals has been thrown open to private investment and therefore commercial exploitation of minerals take place as per economic viability of the mineral concerned in the view of the entrepreneur, based on demand and supply factors.