Now the State Mineral Exploration Trust will also help in the discovery of main minerals and minor minerals in the state. On the lines of the Center, the Cabinet has given its approval to the formation of this trust in the state. The Central Government will not only assist in its operation, but the State Government will also give five percent of the amount received from the royalty of mining to the trust. Mining through minerals and sub-minerals is now becoming the main source of revenue in Uttarakhand. In the financial year 2024-25, the Mining Department had earned a revenue of more than one thousand crores. The Central Government has constituted the Central Mineral Exploration Trust at the Center. It is also providing financial assistance to all the states for mineral exploration and discovery of new mineral blocks. The Central Government had expected all the states to form such a trust. In this sequence, the Department of Geology and Mining presented a proposal for the formation of the State Mineral Exploration Trust before the Cabinet. Which has been approved by the Cabinet. Uttarakhand has abundant main minerals and sub-minerals. The main minerals here are magnesite, limestone and basement rocks. The sub-minerals include soapstone, silica sand, barite and sand, gravel and boulders found from the river bed.
Special focus on health, education and cleanliness
Meaningful steps will now be taken towards proper development in the mineral-affected areas of the state. For this, the cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand District Mineral Foundation Trust Manual prepared on the lines of the Prime Minister Mineral Area Welfare Scheme (PMKKKY). This manual was in force earlier also but now its scope has been increased and it has been implemented afresh. It has been clarified that in the areas affected by mineral extraction, special emphasis will be laid on drinking water, environmental protection and pollution control, health services, mobile health care units, establishment of schools and colleges, special arrangements for the disabled, skill development, cleanliness, housing, agriculture etc. For this, the department will prepare annual and five-year action plans.
