Nagpur, 11 Sept (HS): Rich in minerals and capacity for huge industrial

investments, the Vidarbha region has a potential to become ‘Mining Engine’ of

India, with the use of modern technology, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

said. The Vidarbha region can decisively contribute to the mission ‘Developed

India@2047’. During the next 20 years the region can contribute half trillion

dollars from mining sector and generate employment up to three crores, he

added.

Fadnavis was speaking during the 36th conference of Mining

engineers organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Nagpur Chapter, on

Friday. The theme of the conference was ‘Mining for Developed India @2047’.

Fadnavis also inaugurated an exhibition on mining sector. President of Institution

of India Manish Kothari was in the chair. Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal was

the guest of honour.

Gadchiroli has potential for investment of about five lakh crore rupees

and has capacity to produce 50 MTPA steel, which is being explored. Out of proposed

eight coal gasification plants four are planned in Vidarbha. Besides Gadchiroli

Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia and Yavatmal have potential for mineral based

industries, Fadnavis said. Producing green steel, clean technology, improved

logistics can generate many jobs.

CMD of WCL Dr Hemant Sharad Pande said the conference has been organised

to make Nagpur the mining capital of India. Out of 18 important minerals WCL is

progressing towards mining and purification of 12 minerals. Majri is proposed

to be Coal Gasification Hub. Besides starting industries Pande said WCL is also

concentrating on developing eco-tourism in the region.

Union Coal and Mining Minister Kishan

Reddi could not attend the conference and has send a message, emphasising use

of green technology, safety and support to education sector, while mining by

using modern technology.

Division Mining Board President

Sureshchandra Suman also expressed his thoughts.

The conference was attended by about

300 delegates from all over India. A total of 40 technical research papers were

presented during the conference.

Best Mining Engineers were honoured on

the occasion

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar