Patna: contrary to the perception that Bihar has lost its mineral wealth after bifurcation in 2000, the state does have sufficient mineral resources to improve its economy.
Recent allotment of four blocks for mining in the state has paved the way for exploiting many economic minerals in the coming years.
State mine and Geology Minister Jan Ram said the country had been given four blocks, including each in the Aurangabad district and style (for potash mining) and two in the Rohtas district (for chromium and nickel mining).
The process of auctioning this block is likely to be finished soon, he added.
The minister who adds potassium mining will improve the fertilizer industry, while chromium and nickel can be used in manufacturing several consumer items, including mobile and flight related products.
“All of this will certainly help the state government in producing new employment opportunities for state youth and improving the economy of the country,” he said.
RAM said detailed investigations for other economic minerals were being carried out by various Indian geological survey teams (GSI) and investigations have shown rich reserves of various minerals.
“Working to estimate coal reserves and fire clay in Bhagalpur and Mika Regency in Nawada Regency is also in substantial progress,” added the minister.
Providing detailed availability of economic minerals in the state, Director of GSI Bishwapriya said a number of minerals, including Bumi Alkaline (locally known as ‘reh’), copper, graphite, gold, iron ore, pyrite, silica sand, uranium tin and barium found in Various proportions in various parts of the country.
The state is the main holder of Pyrite Resources Country, has 95% of the total.
Other important mineral resources including limestone in Kaimur (Bhabhua), Munger and Rohta Regency, Mika in Nawada Regency, Silica Sand in Bhagalpur Regency, Jamui, Mütgal and Nalanda, Quartz in LakhiCarai, Munger and Nalanda (or powder) District Munger .
Bishwapriya added the emergence of gold in the Jamui District, Feldspar in the style district, Jamui and Munger, iron ore in Bhagalpur, Style and Jamui Districts, Lead and Rohas and Granite in Bhagalpur Regency, Style, Jahanabad and Jamui have also been reported and some of them are being done.
“If mining is done in the right way in all these districts, the state will receive sufficient income to increase its economy,” he added.