Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday said the state government will survey 44 mineral blocks and work towards operationalising them within nine months, asserting that the resources would be harnessed for public welfare and the state's development.
Addressing a workshop on the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks organised by the Union Ministry of Coal and Mines, Choudhary said the state would take steps to commence mining activities from October 15.
"Thirty or more coal blocks will be allocated before September 30, and we will take steps to start mining activities from October 15. Of the remaining 44 coal blocks, survey work has progressed in 28... The government aims to complete the survey process of all 44 blocks within nine months," he said.
The chief minister said the state would also establish a mineral centre and seek to attract investments worth Rs 5 lakh crore by November this year.
"The royalty received from the auction of mineral blocks will be utilised in the interest of the people of Bihar and for the state's development. Misuse of mineral resources at any level will not be allowed," he said.
Choudhary said Bihar had substantial mineral resources, including limestone in Rohtas and mineral deposits in Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Jamui, Gaya, Banka and Bhagalpur.
"The resources available in Bihar will be properly utilised in the interest of the people," he said.
Choudhary said Bihar's budget had grown to Rs 3.47 lakh crore and several major infrastructure projects were being implemented.
He said infrastructure development required stone and other minerals, urging investors to set up industries in the state.
"Invest openly in Bihar and help the state move forward. You are completely safe here and can pursue your work without fear. The Bihar government will extend all possible support," he said.
Choudhary said the state government was offering various incentives to investors for setting up industries.
He said he had discussed Bihar's mineral resources with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and praised MoS for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey for working in the state's interest.
