THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS, SPORTS AND MINES (SHRI SUKHDEV SINGH DHINDSA)
(a): As per information available with Indian Bureau of
Mines, a Subordinate Office of the Ministry of Mines, 28 gem
bearing tracts have been identified in Angul/Dhenkanal,
Sambalpur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Subarnapur, Boudh,
Kalahandi, Nuapada, Rayagada and Phulbani districts of Orissa.
(b) to (d): Mineral Concessions are granted by the State
Governments as per the provisions of the Mines and
Minerals(Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and Rules framed
thereunder. State Government of Orissa has informed that of the
28 gem bearing tracts identified in Orissa, prospecting has been
completed in 23 by the Directorate of Mining and Geology, Orissa
and M/s Orissa Mining Corporation, a State Government of Orissa
enterprise. In accordance with its Gem Stone Policy of 1998,
the State Government has decided to undertake expeditious
prospecting in the balance 5 tracts and the State Government is
taking expeditious steps to grant mining leases in the
prospected or otherwise proved gemstone areas, so as to exploit
the gemstone reserves systematically & scientifically.
Geological Survey of India has conducted investigation for
diamond in parts of Bargarh, Bolangir, Nuapara, Nawarangpur,
Soneput and Sundargarh districts of Orissa. Geological Survey
of India has also carried out investigation for other precious
and semi-precious stones like garnet, Aquamarine, Sapphire,
Ruby, Apatite, Corundum and Zircon etc. in Kalahandi,
Sambalpur, Bolangir and Koraput districts in Orissa. Basic
geological mapping in the State of Orissa has been done by
Geological Survey of India.
