Geological survey needed to ascertain mineral status in J'khand: CM

Ranchi, May 16 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today asserted that a proper survey was needed to find out the actual status of minerals hidden beneath the lands in the state.

Addressing a meeting of State Geological Council, the Chief Minister expressing suspicion over the geological survey conducted in about sixty per cent area of Jharkhand, said a proper survey was needed to ascertain the availability of minerals to work on long term projects.

Referring to an iron ore lease given to the Tatas last year, Mr Koda said the lease was given to the industrial house with expectation that iron ore available in the mine was limited and last a short time but the iron ore was still being used by the company.

Raising doubts over the recent reports of coal and iron ore availability in state, Mr Koda said there were confusion over the availabiltiy as different againcies presented various reports.

According to an estimate about 85,000 million tonnes of coal and 3,700 million tonnes of iron ore was available in the state.

Mr Koda asked the geological department to conduct a survey or the state government would approach an independent agency to conduct it.

UNI