By IANS
Ranchi : Jharkhand is contemplating creating mineral zones – which will entail the improvement of infrastructure in those areas – so as to attract investors and facilitate mineral exports.
“The zones will be created in the mineral-rich districts of West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela and Kharsawa. Rich quality iron ore mines are found there,” said a government official.
The state government is working on a draft to create the mineral zones. “By setting up mineral zones, the state government plans to generate resources of more than Rs.15 billion per annum.”
Minerals will be categorised as per quality in these areas. Rail and road infrastructure will also be improved there.
“We will seek assistance from the central government to set up these zones. The state government will also request the railway ministry to start railway services in these regions to help in the transportation of minerals to other parts of the country,” the official said.
“Mines will be categorised and allotted according to the needs of investors,” the official added.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda said: “Once the mineral zones are set up, they will bring remarkable changes in the state. They will also help the state attract investors.”
The mineral zone plan assumes significance in the light of steel baron L.N. Mittal’s proposed 12-million tonne steel plant project in the state.
Mittal has evinced interest in acquiring the Chiria mines located in East Singhbhum district but the Jharkhand government is finding it difficult to allot it to Mittal Steel as it is fighting a legal battle with the state-run Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).