Gujarat envisages becoming the ‘Cement Capital of India’

As a run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit, the Government of Gujarat today held a seminar on “Integrated mining cities”. Organised by the Government of Gujarat and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb), this seminar focused on the concept of introducing integrated mining cities in India as well as discussing the vast investment opportunities and the growth of the mining sector in Gujarat. The seminar brought together relevant government agencies, private sector players, external consultants, and advisors from various parts of the country.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Guest, Shri Saurabhbhai Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries, Government of Gujarat, said “Gujarat is a treasure trove of minerals, having 18 different deposits of significance, including Lignite, Bauxite, Limestone, Manganese, Fluorspar, Bentonite, Clay, Silica Sand, and Dolomite. To understand and implement comprehensive and scientific mining in the State, “Integrated mining Cities” need to be set up. The Government wishes to encourage sustainable mining with due conservation of valuable resources at par with international best mining practice and to make use of the latest environmentally-friendly mining technology.”

He further added that, “It is the development of certain sectors like mining and minerals that contribute to inclusive growth of the state. Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd is playing an important role in the process. For the first time the state has successfully mined lignite in the rainy season. Our focus will be to create more mineral reserves and create business-friendly policies which will serve customers on a long term basis. The department and the state government will work together to address the environmental issues and adapt to e-governance for transparency in this sector.”

The State Government has taken various initiatives like announcing Revised Gujarat Mineral Rules, 2010, various guidelines for different minerals and scientific norms for cement block allocations. Moreover, implementation of e-Governance project for e-payment, e-pass, e-return and integrated computerized weigh bridge will provide transparent and hassle-free mineral administration.

The new proposed Mining Law by Government of India envisages strong regulated system, transparency in grant of mineral concessions, simplification of approval and renewal of mines, sustainable development, stringent penalty for illegal mining, creation of mineral fund, preference for value addition, etc. Exploration of mineral deposit with zero waste and competitive mining should be the goal. In order to grow, mining industries must use latest state-of-the art technologies and clear competitiveness.

Special addresses were given by Mr Maheshwar Sahu, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Mines, Government of Gujarat. The event witnessed various eminent national speakers addressing the audience like Arun Basu from JNE Consulting, Hemant Shah from Cubex Ltd, K V Chittranjan from Scanpoint Geomatics Ltd, KP Shetty from Wirtgen India, Ravin Jhunjhunwala from Orind Singapore Pte Ltd, Sandeep Ray from CAE Datamine International, K Y P Kulkarni from Ultratech Cement, Ganpat Roonwal from Ministry of Environment & Forests Govt. of India and Mr Arijit Dey, Scientist, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, etc.

The plenary sessions primarily focused on global delivery models for developing a mining city, conservation of natural minerals and deploying environmentally-friendly mining technology processes and methods to ensure pollution is kept to the bare minimum.

In the month of December 2010, the Government of Gujarat will be organising seminars on such diverse sectors as Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Information Technology and Biotechnology.