(a) whether the Government propose to introduce a special mining project for hilly area;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether unexpected metals, minerals and many other resources have been found in and around the Jawahar tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for not introducing such a project to explore the hidden wealth in the country; and
(e) the details of new mines found in the country during the last three years, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, SPORTS AND MINES ( SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)
(a): No, Sir,
(b): Does not arise, in view of (a) above.
(c) No significant metal deposits have been found around the
Jawahar Tunnel. However, to the north of the Jawahar Tunnel,
reserves of limestone have been found at Verinag area and to the
south of the Jawahar Tunnel, reserves of Gypsum have been found
in Ramban area.
(d): Since no metal deposit of economic significance has been
found, the question of mining of metal deposits does not arise.
The gypsum and limestone deposits around the Jawahar
Tunnel are being exploited by State public sector and private
companies.
(e): As per information furnished by Indian Bureau of Mines,
a subordinate office of Ministry of Mines, details of mines
opened during the last three years state-wise upto 31.3.2000 are
given in Annexure.
ANNEXURE
Annexure referred in reply to part(e) of Lok Sabha Unstarred
Question No.3508 for 14th August, 2000 regarding Special Mining
Projects for Hilly Areas
STATE-WISE DETAILS OF MINES OPENED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS
UPTO 31.3.2000
Sl.No. Name of the State No. of Mines
1. Andhra Pradesh 66 2. Bihar 2 3. Goa 1 4. Gujarat 21 5. Karnataka 8 6. Kerala 13 7. Madhya Pradesh 24 8. Maharashtra 3 9. Orissa 8 10. Rajasthan 12 11. Tamil Nadu 33 12. Uttar Pradesh 2
TOTAL : 193