New Delhi:The National Mineral Awards – 2006 Presentation Ceremony was held here today. Shri Sis Ram Ola, Minister of Mines Conferred the Awards. Shri B. K. Handique, Minister of State of Mines was also present on the occasion.22 Eminent Geoscientists, Engineers, and Technologists received National Mineral Award for the year 2006 and Dr. S.M. Naqvi, Senior Geoscientist , NGRI received the prestigious National Mineral Award for Exellence – 2006
The Minister of Mines, Shri Sis Ram Ola appreciated the role played by geoscientists in National Development. He emphasized upon a more proactive role in the wake of New Mineral Policy that has been recently approved by the Union Cabinet.The Minister of State of Mines Shri B. K. Handique spelt the need for developing technology for the utilization of low grade ore deposits while protecting the environment and taking care of the safety of people engaged in the mineral and mining industry.
The National Mineral Awards instituted by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India in the year 1966 are presented every year for outstanding contribution in the fields of mineral discovery & explorations, fundamental and applied geosciences and mining & allied disciplines. Besides, a National Mineral Award for Excellence is also conferred on an eminent earth scientist for his lifetime achievement.