Kohima ,29 July : The 28th State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) meeting was held today the 29th July 2008 at Geology & Mining Conference Hall, Dimapur with Parliamentary Secretary Geology & Mining, Irrigation & Flood Control and Borders Affairs, Y. Patton as the chief Guest.
Patton in his inaugural speech expressed his gratitude to the Director of Geology & Mining and his team of dedicated officers for organizing the programme and said that it is one of the best forums, whereby, dignitaries of different scientific and technical organizations are gathered to deliberate for the development of mineral based industries for economic upliftment of the masses. Minerals and mineral based industries constitute the back bone of the present global economy and therefore the exploration, exploitation and development of mineral resources including ground water have played the most vital role in the socio- economic development of all Nations.
Patton said that important mineral resources of the state are petroleum and natural gas, nickel-cobalt-chromium bearing magnetite, high grade lime stone, marble, coal, clay and dimension/decorative stones etc whereby the economy of the state will solely depend on these mineral resources which are to be developed and managed significantly using advanced technology. However, he lamented that mineral development has not been achieved to a desirable extent due to various constraints.
Patton, while appreciating the booming Indian economy said that we as a nation also have to face the challenges like terrorism and global warming. We must adopt a strong approach against these two main issues which is threatening the very human civilization today. If this is not done it will create demographic imbalances and also global effect on food production. He said that with the implementation of National ‘Look East Policy’ the department had entered an MoU with Trident Mineral Resources Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore for joint venture on exploration, prospecting and follow up feasibility studies of important minerals like gold, chromium, nickel, platinum, group of elements, and other base metal covering an area of 1850 Sq. Km under Pokphur and Zephuhu blocks in Tuensang and Phek districts. Another broad MoU was signed between Government of Nagaland and M/s Resources Cement Ltd, Kolkata to set up a mega cement plant at Laluri under Phek district based on Nimi limestone deposit.
He further stated that the state government has also entered into an MoU with Prithvi Energy Ltd. Kolkatta to set up Thermal Plant based on coal resources from outside the state. Techno-economic feasibility studies of nickel- cobalt- chromium bearing magnetite at Pokphur in collaboration with National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur is under progress. Development of coal resources in the state has added to the state’s revenue with the implementation of state coal policy and rules, further scientific development of coal resources will provide more avenues of setting up coal based industries in the state. He further added that formulation of multi-disciplinary approach and strategies for development of ground water resources in the hilly state like Nagaland is an outmost important sector. He also called upon the department to play a pivotal rule and lead the state into new heights of development and better economy of the people.
The Director of Geology & Mining, H. K. Chishi in his introductory speech stated that the department has taken up investigation for coal, base metals, sulphide, noble metals, semi-precious stones, dimension stones, ground water exploration and development, geo-technical studies and prospect of geo-tourism industries in the state. The implementation of coal policy in the state through monitoring and supervision of coal mining activities had greatly helped in proper administration and control of mineral resources in the state.
Other highlights of the programme are power point presentation on mineralization of Ni-Cu-Fe-PGE & Base metals in Nagaland Ophiolite Belt (NOB) by Exploration Director, Trident Mineral Resources Pvt.Ltd. Bangalore, Dr. V.N. Vasudev. The programme was chaired by Commissioner, Nagaland & Principal Secretary Geology & Mining and Border Affairs & chairman, SGPB Government of Nagaland, H.K. Khulu, IAS. Later in the day a technical session was held on review of work done by GSI, NEIST, IBM, CGWB, NSMBC Ltd and others.