Minor mineral mining in the state discussed

Imphal: A meeting on mining in the state pertaining to the shortage of construction materials was held on Wednesday. The meeting particularly discussed about mining of minor minerals like sand, stone and clay.
Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh chaired the joint coordination meeting held at Office. The meeting was also attended by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Awangbow Newmai.

The meeting was specifically held with regards to certain queries from the general public on the shortage of the construction materials after a ban was imposed on mining and transportation of minor minerals in 2019 by the High Court of Manipur.

Mr. Biswajit asserted the importance to strengthen and formulate new policy and regulation for the recognized mining areas. He also instructed officials to identify mining zones at the earliest. Officials of the Geology and Mining were directed to coordinate with the Forest Department for environmental clearance.

Amendment of the Manipur Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2012 was also discussed. Mr. Biswajit also instructed officials to take stringent action against illegal mining.