Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta chaired the 174th meeting of the Board of Directors of JK Minerals.
It was informed that despite the COVID-19 crisis which had far-reaching economic and social repercussions, J&K Minerals has shown a satisfactory performance and has continued to deliver much-needed raw material to the mineral-based industries in Jammu and Kashmir.
It was further informed that the Corporation, for the first time, ventured into minor mineral exploitation & operationalized four minor mineral blocks in the Jammu region which ensured a regular supply of construction material like sand, boulders, and rbm to various prestigious projects including the construction of AIIMS, IIM, ring road in twin capital cities, and works on the National Highway 44, among others.
Moreover, the preliminary survey of Paddar Sapphire Mine has been completed by the Geological Survey of India and further options are being explored for the scientific exploration of the area.
Regarding the Kalakote mines, the Mining Department was asked to conduct a safety audit through the Director-General, Mines Safety, Government of India within 3 months, and rationalize the excess labour from these mines to other minor minerals mines.