The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) of the Central government will take up exploration of 42 limestone blocks in Telangana at a cost of ₹40 crore during 2018-19.
This was disclosed by Additional Secretary Mines K. Rajeswara Rao when he held a review meeting with the Central and State government mining officials here on Wednesday.
Telangana Director Mines B.R.V. Sushil Kumar explained about the mine exploration activities in the State and said it has abundant reserves of coal, iron ore, manganese, limestone, copper, gold and diamonds.
He also said they deposited ₹85.32 crore from coal mines and ₹12.48 crore from other mine explorations with the NMET. The government also provided ₹1,537 crore through District Mine Fund for the development of mine-affected areas in 30 districts in the State.
The Additional Secretary Mines said a special task force would be constituted to help Telangana in the mines sector.
Representatives of mine exploration agencies Geological Survey of India, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Indian Bureau of Mines, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and Telangana State Mineral Development Corporation attended the meeting.
