Assam's Chief Minister Promises Enhanced Mining Exploration Initiatives

New Mining Exploration Plans Announced

Guwahati, June 27: On Friday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed that his administration will soon request the Central Government to facilitate extensive exploration of Assam's mining resources.

This declaration was made during the second edition of the North East Mining Ministers’ Conclave, taking place in Guwahati.

“Today, we deliberated on issuing a comprehensive exploration order for geological assessments. I assure you that shortly, we will permit the Government of India to investigate the mining potential throughout the state,” stated the Chief Minister.

He also mentioned that a strategic plan has been developed for mineral exploration in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong, particularly targeting rare earth elements and other precious minerals.

Sarma noted that the National Mineral Exploration Trust has successfully completed three exploration projects in Assam, focusing on limestone, iron, and sillimanite.

Additionally, he pointed out that the state government has initiated the auction process for seven limestone blocks in Dima Hasao.

“Out of these, five blocks have already been auctioned successfully. The remaining two are currently in the second bidding phase and are anticipated to be auctioned by August 2025. Our goal is to operationalize at least one limestone block by December 2025,” the Chief Minister added.

Progress is also being made in coal exploration in Dima Hasao under the Central Mining and Planning Design Institute, while private firms have started coal exploration in Amlokhi and other regions of Karbi Anglong.

Reaffirming the state government's dedication to fostering mining and mineral-based economic development, Sarma outlined several initiatives:

• Approval of the Assam State Mineral Exploration Trust by the state cabinet to finance minor mineral exploration and encourage sustainable mining practices.

• Finalization of the Assam Mineral Policy, which is expected to be implemented within a month.

• Amendment of the Assam Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2025, to introduce circular economy-based zero waste mining techniques.

• Accumulation of Rs 2,037 crores in the District Mineral Fund as of June 2024.

• Incorporation of updated Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana guidelines into the Assam District Mineral Foundation.

• Securing three coal mines by the Assam Mineral Development Corporation (AMDCL) through competitive bidding, including two in Assam (Garampani and Koilajan) and one in Jharkhand.

• A pilot project proposed by the AMDCL for granite extraction and the establishment of a granite polishing unit in Kamrup district, aimed at creating job opportunities for local youth and promoting industrial growth.

The Chief Minister emphasized that 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), totaling Rs 46,000 crores, were signed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 event.

He expressed his desire to convert these agreements into tangible investments and welcomed both current and prospective investors to Assam.

Encouraging the Northeastern states to take an active role in national development, the Chief Minister remarked, "The revenue generated from these initiatives will remain with the state governments. We aspire to be contributing states to India’s development journey, rather than merely dependent states."