The 1st Northeast Geology & Mining Ministers' Conclave was held at the Niathu Resort, 7th Mile, Chumoukedima District on 31st October 2022.

In the Morning session, Minister of Geology & Mining, NSMDC, Soil & Water Conservation, V Kashiho Sangtam said the occasion is a matter of pride for them to be able to come together which would stand as a milestone on the journey towards common economic development of the North East region. He also noted that The Northeast region of India has been blessed with huge deposits of various minerals like Coal, Limestone/ Marble, Dimensional/Decorative stones, Petroleum & Natural Gas, etc. but these resources remain unexplored and untapped.

If detailed exploratory drilling of various minerals is completed, the details of the proved reserved can be provided and the minerals can be exploited through scientific and eco-friendly mining; raw materials can be provided for different usages within as well as outside the states. Thus, contributing to a Self-reliant India the vision of our Prime Minister, while also generating enormous revenue and employment opportunities for the youths, the Advisor said.

He also said mineral development in the Northeastern region is lacking behind the rest of the country due to hilly terrain, bad connectivity, lack of infrastructure, fund constraints, etc. The states envisage completion of UNFC Gl and G2 status exploratory drilling of various minerals and outsourcing the Mineral Blocks to the interested Companies/agencies, which is also the sole objective of the conclave.  

            Presentations and discussions were delivered by all northeast state dignitaries.

(Limatoshi IA Dimapur)