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The Science & Technology (S&T) programme of the Mines Ministry initiated in 1978, covers the disciplines of geology, exploration, mining and environment, bio-leaching, beneficiation rock mechanics and non-ferrous metallurgy. Under the programme, 124 projects have been completed so far and 35 are in progress.
An outlay of Rs.7.43 crore with budget support of Rs.3.88 crore has been approved for the year 2005-06 to carry out these projects. An outlay of Rs.8.55 crore with budget support of Rs. 5 crore was provided in 2004-05 budget for S&T programme which was retained in revised estimate. During the Xth Plan, emphasis is on multi-disciplinary, multi-organization projects catering to the national requirements and for building the capabilities and strength of the mineral and non-ferrous metal industries.
The projects having the basis of national requirement are approved by the Standing Scientific Advisory Group of the Ministry under the chairmanship of the Mines Secretary. These projects are financed through the grant-in-aid from the Government. The projects based on industrial requirements are financed through the contributions of the Government, industry and the implementing organisations. The projects based on the PSUs' requirements, are financed through their own resources.
The Ministry has set up three centres of excellence to carry out scientific and technological research. These are National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development & Design Centre (JNARDDC) and National Institute of Miners' Health (NIMH).
DS/SCH
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