Odisha To Host Another National-Level Event From Tomorrow At Konark

Bhubaneswar: The two-day 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference will begin at Konark in Odisha on Monday.

This is the fourth national-level event being organised in the state since the BJP government assumed office in July last year.

Bhubaneswar was all decked up to welcome 3000 delegates from 70 countries to the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on January 8-10 while the Indian Navy conducted an operational demonstration at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach on Navy Day, December 4. The capital city also hosted the three-day DGP-IGP conference from November 29 attended by Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

This two-day conference is being organised by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Odisha government. It underscores the Ministry’s commitment to building a transparent, sustainable, and efficient mining ecosystem and aligns with the vision of ‘Vikasit Bharat 2047’, unlocking the potential of India’s mineral wealth and contribute to the nation’s development.

“Reviewed preparations for the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference at the serene Konark Eco Retreat. Odisha is all set to welcome leaders and experts to discuss sustainable mining for a Viksit Bharat. Looking forward to insightful discussions,” Minister of Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Bibhuti Bhusan Jena posted on X.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, will preside over the conference with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, gracing the inaugural session as the chief guest. More than 16 state Mining Ministers, including Deputy Chief Ministers of Jammu & Kashmir and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, along with senior officials from the central and Odisha governments will be in attendance, an official release said.

Reddy also tweeted about arriving in Bhubaneswar on Sunday for the conference. “Over the next 2 days, will be attending the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference at Konark, besides other review meetings,” he wrote.

Key Highlights of the Conference

1. Release of the Report on States’ Best Practices in Mining: Showcasing innovative governance models implemented by states, the report aims to improve efficiency and transparency in mining practices.
2. Launch of the Mining Tenement System (MTS) Module: A landmark step towards digital governance, this module will streamline mining operations and enhance accountability.
3. Handing Over of Sanction Letters to Startups: Selected startups will receive sanction letters under initiatives promoting innovation in sustainable mining practices.
4. Handing Over of Geological Memoranda (GMs) and Geological Reports (GRs): Comprehensive data will be provided to the Ministry of Mines and states, boosting exploration activities.
5. Transfer of Critical Mineral Block GRs by Chhattisgarh: GRs of critical mineral blocks will be handed over to the Ministry of Mines, supporting India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.
6. Awards to Best-Performing States: States excelling in mineral auctions and mining reforms will be honoured for their outstanding contributions.
7. Launch of the 5th Tranche of Critical Mineral Blocks: The launch aims to accelerate exploration and attract private sector investment in critical minerals, reducing import dependency.

Focus Areas of the Conference

The conference will provide a platform for State Mining Ministers, senior government officials, and stakeholders to discuss critical mining sector strategies. Officers from the Ministry of Environment and Forest, DGMS, and Railways will be making presentations on key issues in the mining sector, such as safety, sustainability, environmental concerns, and transportation challenges. The focus will be on fostering collaboration to ensure efficient, safe, and eco-friendly mining operations nationwide. These deliberations aim to strengthen India’s mining ecosystem in line with sustainable development goals.