Latest news with #StateMiningReadinessIndex
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
U.P's mining policy a model of transparency, tech efficiency: Yogi
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday emphasised the crucial role of the mining sector in Uttar Pradesh's journey towards achieving the trillion-dollar economy goal. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath during the review meeting of the department of geology and mining. (Sourced) He noted that the sector has evolved beyond just mineral extraction to become a key driver of economic growth, investment attraction and local employment generation. During a comprehensive review meeting of the department of geology and mining, he said U.P's mining policy has now emerged as a model of transparency and technological efficiency. Highlighting the department's performance, he noted that mineral revenue has recorded an average annual growth rate of 18.14% between FY 2021-22 and FY 2024-25. In FY 2024-25, revenue from major minerals stood at ₹ 608.11 crore. In just the first two months of FY 2025-26, the state has already generated ₹ 623 crore in revenue. The chief minister was informed that leases for major minerals such as phosphorite, iron ore, and gold have been successfully auctioned in recent years. He directed officials to expedite the composite licensing process further and ensure timely identification of potential mining zones along with the prompt preparation of geological reports. Emphasising the impact of transparent and investor-friendly policies, the chief minister noted that prominent companies like JSW, Adani Group, Tata Steel, and UltraTech Cement have shown strong interest in investing in Uttar Pradesh. The department has undertaken substantial work across more than 70 sub-indicators to secure Uttar Pradesh a top position in the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI). A 100% implementation of the Mine Surveillance System has been achieved in all mining districts, leading to significant improvements in the average timeline for environmental clearances and enhancing the overall transparency of regulatory procedures. He instructed that the remaining reforms be completed within the stipulated time frame to ensure Uttar Pradesh attains 'Category-A' status in SMRI. To effectively curb illegal mining, transportation, and storage, the chief minister called for a robust monitoring mechanism in coordination with transport operators. He made it clear that mining activities will not be permitted in river catchment areas and strict accountability will be enforced against responsible officials if violations occur. Officials reported that 57 technology-enabled check gates have been installed, and 21,477 vehicles have been blacklisted. Systems such as the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), colour coding, and white tagging are functioning efficiently. He directed that only GPS-enabled vehicles meeting the required standards should be authorised for mineral transportation and that their movement must be tracked in real-time through the VTS module. Since 2024, the PGRS laboratory and drone surveys have identified 99 potential mining sites, of which 23 have been deemed suitable for operations. Post-monsoon assessments have also been conducted for sand/morang deposits in 52 locations. Appreciating these efforts, the chief minister instructed that monitoring of active leases and volumetric analysis for accurate extraction assessment should be further intensified. The meeting was also informed that the regulation fees collected from brick kilns amounted to ₹ 258.61 crore in 2024-25 and ₹ 70.80 crore as of 2025–26. The chief minister directed that the brick kiln sector be modernised. He also directed that the process of issuing new leases for minor minerals be completed during the monsoon season, enabling mining activities to commence from October 15. He emphasised the optimal utilisation of the DMF fund, instructing that it be prioritised for public welfare initiatives, such as establishing Anganwadi centres, developing playgrounds, enhancing healthcare and skill training, and promoting water and energy conservation.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mineral resources crucial for UP tobecome 1$ trillion economy: Yogi
Lucknow: Noting that the mining sector in UP has evolved beyond extraction, Chief minister on Sunday said that the mineral resources has become a key driver of economic growth, investment attraction, and local employment generation in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chairing the review meeting of the department of geology and mining, Yogi stated that the state's mining policy has now emerged as a model before the country and is set to play a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh's journey towards achieving a one trillion-dollar economy. He noted that mineral revenue recorded an average annual growth rate of 18.14% between 2021–22 and 2024–25. While the revenue from major minerals in 2024–25 stood at Rs 608.11 crore, in just the first two months of 2025–26, the state generated Rs 623 crore in revenue. Yogi was informed that lease agreements for major minerals such as phosphorite, iron ore and gold blocks were successfully auctioned in recent years. He directed officials to expedite the composite licensing process further and ensure timely identification of potential mining zones along with the prompt preparation of geological reports. Emphasising the impact of transparent and investor-friendly policies, the Chief Minister noted that prominent companies like JSW, Adani Group, Tata Steel and UltraTech Cement have shown a strong interest in the sector. The department undertook substantial work across more than 70 sub-indicators to secure top position in the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI). A 100% implementation of the mine surveillance system was achieved in all mining districts, leading to significant improvements in the average timeline for environmental clearances and enhancing the overall transparency of regulatory procedures. Yogi added that the remaining reforms be completed within the stipulated time frame to ensure Uttar Pradesh attains 'Category-A' status in SMRI. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officials revealed that 57 technology-enabled check gates were installed and 21,477 vehicles had been blacklisted for transporting minerals in an illegal manner. Systems such as the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), colour coding and white tagging are functioning efficiently. Through the brick kiln operators, the state had generated a revenue of Rs 259 crore last financial year whereas in this year Rs 71 crore have been collected. Additionally, Yogi directed that the process of issuing new leases for minor minerals be completed during the monsoon season, enabling mining activities to commence from October 15.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Kollu Ravindra calls for mining sector's overhaul
Vijayawada: Minister for Mines, Geology, and Excise, Kollu Ravindra, asserted on Friday that the mining sector holds the key to transforming the future of both the State and the nation. Speaking at the 'Unearthing Mineral Potential of AP: Exploration to Auction - A Strategic Vision' summit held here, Minister Ravindra emphasised the need for a re-envisioned mining sector to contribute significantly to India's economic and industrial advancement. Since 2015, approximately 29 major mineral auctions have been conducted, with four more taking place in the current fiscal year. Preparations are underway to auction another 70 major minerals. The Minister announced that Andhra Pradesh has achieved an 'A' category ranking in the SMRI (State Mining Readiness Index) set by the Union Ministry of Mines, competing successfully with States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. He highlighted that revenue is already being generated through the auction of four major minerals. With a long coastline, the State possesses valuable offshore minerals, and he stressed the importance of establishing value-added industries to create employment opportunities. Minister Ravindra sincerely appealed to industrialists, along with Central and State governments, to collaborate in harnessing the mineral wealth. The event was attended by Mines Secretary Praveen Kumar, Geological Survey of India Director Satyanarayana Mahapatro, MECL Director Pankaj Pandey, IBM Comptroller of Mines Shailendra Kumar, and Ragupathi Peddireddy, among other officials.
