Question : SURVEYS FOR EXPLORATION OF MINERALS

(a) the approximate quantum of mineral reserves available in the country at present showing their estimated value, mineral-wise;

(b) the details of surveys conducted for exploration of various mineral resources in the country and their outcome during each of the last three years and the current year alongwith the names of agencies and expenditure involved therein, State/ location-wise and mineral-wise;

(c) the action plan of the Government for commercial exploitation of such minerals and their allocation to private companies;

(d) whether the Government proposes to undertake fresh survey to identify and tap the potential of new mineral rich areas;

(e) if so, the details and locations thereof including names of agencies involved therein and the safeguard measures taken for their participation; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government for improving the quality of exploration and exploitation of these precious metals and minerals, using the latest technology available in or outside the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINES (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO STARRED QUESTION NO. 278 FOR ANSWER IN THE LOK SABHA ON 19.8.2011 REGARDING SURVEYS FOR EXPLORATION OF MINERALS

(a): Details of quantity and value of important mineral reserves available in the country are given at Annexure-I.

(b): Geological Survey of India (GSI) undertook mineral investigations for 94 items in field season 2008-09, 77 item in 2009-10 and 116 items for extended field season in 2010-12 for different mineral commodities. Details of Statewise mineral-wise surveys conducted for exploration of minerals are given in Annexure-II. The details on expenditure on survey conducted for exploration of minerals for the year 2008-09 was Rs. 20.36 crore, in 2009-10 it was Rs. 17.05 crore and in 2010-11 it was Rs. 23.59 crores. As an outcome of the mineral investigations, Geological Survey of India has estimated resources of coal in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and lignite in the state of Rajasthan, resources of gold ore in the states of Rajasthan, Chhatisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand & Karnataka, copper ore resources in the states of Rajasthan & Haryana, iron ore in the state of Orissa & Tamil Nadu, manganese ore in the state of Orissa, molybdenum ore resources in the state of Tamil Nadu and limestone resources in the states of Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan and apatite resources in the state of West Bengal.

(c): The mining sector has been liberalized since the year 1993 and private participation has been facilitated and the growth in mineral production is driven by market demand.

(d) & (e): Yes, Madam GSI is proposing to undertake fresh surveys in the country to identify and tap the potential of new mineral rich areas for mineral commodities like gold, diamond & precious stones, basemetal, Platinum Group of Elements, Rare Earth Elements, iron, manganese, chromite, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, bauxite and coal& lignite within the Obvious Geological Potential domain and in extension areas of identified mineral belts in freehold areas during the XII plan period (2012-17).

(f) Government has directed GSI to take steps to improve the quality of regional exploration for assessment of natural resources by using latest technologies. Further, a modernization programme has been initiated aimed at refurbishing and upgrading the capabilities of GSI with a view to enabling it to meet new challenges and achieve the identified goals of locating new mineral deposits in the coming decades.