Hyderabad: The Union Minister of Mines, G Kishan Reddy, highlighted the importance of the mining sector for India’s economic growth. He stressed the need to make greater efforts to become self-sufficient in mining soon. He also pointed out that the mining industry is the largest employer in the country.
On Wednesday, at the Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, the Union Minister awarded 5-star ratings to 68 mining companies from across the nation. These awards were given to companies that met the highest standards and sustainable development norms. Among the awardees were five mining companies from Telangana and five from Andhra Pradesh.
The Union Minister congratulated all the recipients of the awards. He stated that the central government aims to recognize those who contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection in the mining sector. These awards are meant to encourage such efforts.
Reddy emphasized India’s enormous mineral potential and the need to capitalize on it for progress. He mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to achieve self-sufficiency in mining. Currently, India imports critical minerals, and there is a need to reduce these imports by utilizing domestic resources. Reddy urged mining companies to use technology to ensure mine safety, protect workers, increase production, and safeguard the environment.
He also noted that the recent budget removed customs duty on 25 critical minerals. This step is expected to boost the processing of these minerals within the country. India is now the 5th largest economy in the world and aims to become the 3rd largest. To reach this goal, the mining sector must operate at full capacity, he added.
