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The Union Mines Minister Shri Sis Ram Ola presented the National Mineral Awards - 2002 to 19 geo-scientists in a function held here today. The National Mineral Award for Excellence - 2002 was bagged by the Ocean Development Secretary, Dr. Harsa K. Gupta, an eminent geo-scientist. Speaking on the occasion the Minister stressed on judicious use of mineral resources, reclamation of mined out areas, rehabilitation of land used for mining and a scientific approach to the closure of the completed mines. He said that the geo-scientists, mining technologists, metallurgists and entrepreneurs have a great social responsibility towards the protection of environment and ecology. He appealed to the geo-scientists to explore ways for a quantum shift to non-conventional energy sources like coal-bed-methane, gas-hydrates from ocean beds and other forms of energy sources to address the growing requirement of the country. He congratulated the award winners and asked the rest to put in efforts to get this in future.
Dr. Gupta received a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh, a trophy, a certificate and citation. Eighteen renowned scientists received the National Mineral awards for their individual or group contributions in different fields. The scheme started by the Mines Ministry in 1966, at present, covers 14 earth science disciplines with 16 National Mineral Awards carrying an award money of Rs.1,00,000 each with a trophy, a certificate and citation.
The Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao said that the Government has taken a series of policy initiatives to encourage private investment, both domestic and foreign, in the exploration and mining. As a result, 177 reconnaissance permits, covering over 280,000 sq. kilometer area in 10 states have been approved by the Government of India. The Government look forward to favourable results. The Minister emphasized on IT initiatives for speedy digitization of geo-scientific data. He hoped that the awards would create more zeal and inspiration among the scientists.
The Mines Secretary, Shri C.D. Arha in his welcome address outlined the achievements of the Ministry and the outcome of the awards. He said including these awards, 453 geo-scientists have received the coveted National Mineral Awards and 5 Awards of excellence. The scheme has created a competitive working atmosphere in the field. In 2003-04, the Mining and Quarrying sector contributed over Rs. 48,000 crore to the Indian economy accounting for about 2.16 per cent of the total gross domestic product. The overall index of mineral production showed an increase of 4.6 per cent in 2003-04 over the previous year. The total value of mineral production in 2003-04 was Rs.66,308 crore.
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