Changes in mines act to generate jobs, allow pvt sector with enhanced tech in mining: Joshi

New Delhi:  Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday said the amendments in the mines and minerals act will help create employment opportunities and allow private sector with enhanced technology in mining activities.
Moving the Mines and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill, 2021, in the Lok Sabha, Joshi said India produces 95 minerals and has same potential like South Africa and Australia, but still import minerals like gold and coal.
“The reform in the mining sector would generate 55 lakh direct and indirect employment. To enhance mining activity, we will allow private sector with enhanced technology in mineral exploration,” Joshi added.
Mining sector is the biggest employment generator, but still we are underexplored.
The minister said the bill has been drafted after consultation with stakeholders and state governments.
Joshi said mining sector currently contributes 1.75 per cent to the country’s GDP and through the reforms proposed in the bill the contribution will rise to 2.5 per cent and strengthen the economy.