New Delhi, Nov 21: The Indian government is considering aero-geographical survey of over eight lakh square kilo meter of obvious geological potential area.
Minister for Mines & Steel Narendra Singh Tomar told the first meeting of the governing body of National Mineral Exploration Trust that there is need for working in close coordination with states and bringing the beneficiaries from exploration and exploration agencies, on same platform for better synergy and progress.
The Minister underscored the significance of professional and business-like functioning for a time-bound and result-oriented approach.
Exploration of minerals on an urgent basis is need of the hour, and NMET is taking a concrete shape with this first meeting to give direction and energy to exploration, he added.
Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal suggested according priority to coking during exploration to achieve self-sufficiency and save foreign exchange.
Various issues that came up for discussion included Environment and Forest clearances for exploration, use of space technology, pooling of resources and capabilities, NMET fund utilization, role of central and state agencies and PSUs, exploration status with respect to mine auction planning, bringing in experts and private agencies for value-addition, matters pertaining to North-east states, exploration rate schedule for all minerals and e-governance.
