Srinagar, Oct 02 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir has taken its first major step towards organised development of its mineral resources with the successful auction of two limestone blocks in Anantnag district through the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, under the Central Government’s mineral auction process.
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‎The auction of the Koot-Kapran and Wantrag limestone blocks marks the first such mineral block auctions in the Union Territory and is expected to open a new phase of investment and development in the mining sector.
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‎The Government of Jammu and Kashmir had entrusted the auction of mineral blocks to the Union Ministry of Mines. The successful completion of the process is being seen as a move towards systematic exploration and development of the UT’s mineral resources through a transparent and competitive auction mechanism.
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‎The two blocks, both located in Anantnag district, together have estimated limestone resources of around 15.6 million tonnes.
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‎The Koot-Kapran Limestone Block, located in Koot and Kapran villages of Dooru tehsil, covers 22.43 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 4.75 million tonnes.
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‎The block has been explored up to the G-4 stage, leaving scope for further detailed exploration and development.
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‎The Wantrag Limestone Block covers 5.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel36 hectares and has estimated limestone resources of 10.853 million tonnes. It has been explored up to the G-3 stage, including 159 metres of drilling, providing a geological basis for further exploration and development.
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‎The auction is expected to facilitate fresh investment in Jammu and Kashmir’s mineral sector and generate economic activity around mining and allied operations.
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‎The development could also create direct and indirect employment opportunities and provide business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, service providers and industries linked to the mining sector.
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‎Officials said the development of the mineral sector would help create greater value from Jammu and Kashmir’s mineral resources and provide opportunities for local participation in the emerging mining ecosystem.
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‎The auction also marks a shift towards more organised exploration and development of mineral resources in the Union Territory, with the Centre and the J&K administration expected to work together on the sector.
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‎The Ministry of Mines will continue to coordinate with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the transparent, sustainable and responsible development of the Union Territory’s mineral resources.(KNS)