Direct Dialogue between Principal Secretary Mines and Mining Stakeholders

The Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit will script a new chapter in industrial investment, job creation, revenue generation, and overall development, says Mr. T. Ravikant.

• MoUs worth ₹45,000 crores signed in the mining sector, with proposed investments exceeding ₹50,000 crores.
• Mining sector stakeholders urged to step forward for investment.

Jaipur : T. Ravikant, the Principal Secretary of the Mines and Petroleum Department, stated that the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit is set to create a new chapter in terms of industrial investment, job creation, socio-economic development, and revenue generation in the state. He emphasized the importance of bringing more investment proposals in the mining sector during the pre-summit on November 8 in Jaipur and the main investment summit in December, considering Rajasthan’s role as a key contributor to the nation’s economic growth.

Mr. Ravikant noted that MoUs for investments worth over ₹45,000 crores have already been signed during roadshows in the mining sector. Furthermore, MoUs exceeding ₹50,000 crores will be signed at the pre-summit in Jaipur on November 8.

The Principal Secretary was speaking directly with mining sector stakeholders and representatives of mining associations at the Udaipur Marble Processing Committee building in Udaipur. He highlighted Udaipur’s significance in mining and called for increased investment in exploration, mining, processing units, and related industries. He also mentioned the state’s plans to introduce a new mining policy soon, incorporating practical suggestions from stakeholders and striving for transparency and simplification in the system. He added that Rajasthan has become a leading state in major mineral auctions and needs to conduct scientific mining of its valuable mineral resources.

Mr. Ravikant expressed the goal of making Rajasthan the top state in the mineral sector, increasing employment and revenue, and establishing a unique identity on the global map. He appreciated the constructive suggestions received during the discussion and assured that efforts would be made to implement them based on their merits.

Director of Mines and Geology, Mr. Bhagwati Prasad Kalal, stated that the department has initiated a positive step by establishing direct communication with stakeholders, first in Jaipur, then Kota, and now Udaipur. This allows mutual understanding of issues and provides an opportunity to address obstacles in the field.

Mr. Kalal further added that Rajasthan is rapidly advancing in the mining sector, with leading positions in several minerals nationwide. The upcoming new mineral policy is expected to accelerate the sector’s growth.

Representatives of mining associations and stakeholders praised the government’s initiative and suggested various improvements, such as developing a single-window system for faster clearances, enhancing ease of doing business, abolishing the TP and RCC-ERCC systems, revising rates for Ravanna and royalties, reducing the royalty on M-sand compared to gravel, and involving the private sector in exploration.

Prominent attendees included representatives from Rajsamand Marble Mines Association, Mineral Mines Welfare Association, Rajsamand Federation, Ultratech Cement, Udaipur Cement, Non-Metallic Mineral Mining Association, Mineral Environmental Improvement Committee Bhilwara, Upermal Stone Mining Business Association, Masonry Stone Mines Association, Green Marble Mines Association, Marble Processors Association, and Soapstone Mining Leaseholders, among others. Senior officials from the department were also present.