(a) the details of survey for exploration of silver and copper conducted by Geological Survey
of India(GSI) in various parts of the country including Mayurbhanj district of Odisha during
the last three years, State/UT-wise;
(b) the results thereof; and
(c) the action taken or proposed to be taken by the Government on the results achieved therefrom?
THE MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)
(a)& (b) Geological Survey of India (GSI) has not undertaken exploration for silver in any part
of the country during the last three years. However, GSI has carried out exploration for copper
and other associated metals like lead, gold and silver in different parts of the country during
this period. The result of survey and exploration carried out by GSI for copper and associated
base and precious metals during the last three years in different parts of the country and the
resources estimated by GSI is given in Annex-I. The details of exploration programmes of GSI for
base metal pursued during the Field Season (F.S.) 2012-13 are given at Annex-II.
(c) The details of the reports on the exploration carried out upto F.S. 2010-12 in respect
of copper and associated base metals are available in the GSI Portal as per dissemination policy
of GSI.
As regards the exploitation of these minerals, it is stated that with the liberalization of
Mining sector in the year 1993, exploration and mining of minerals is open to private sector.
State Governments, as the owners of minerals, grant mineral concessions. In case of some
minerals listed in the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act,
prior approval of the Central Government is necessary. Further, mineral exploitation is a
function of demand of a particular mineral subject to grant of mineral concessions by the State
Governments.