“Mineral Wealth Must Become a New Engine of Growth for Jammu & Kashmir: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy”

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, on Tuesday emphasized that the vast mineral wealth of Jammu & Kashmir must be transformed into a powerful engine of economic growth, employment generation, and industrial development for the region.

Speaking at a high-level review meeting on mining operations and resource development in Srinagar, the Minister said that the Union Government is committed to unlocking the mineral potential of J&K through transparent auction processes, modern exploration technologies, and investor-friendly policies.

Reddy noted that Jammu & Kashmir possesses significant reserves of limestone, gypsum, sapphire, borax, quartz, and rare minerals that can attract large-scale investments if systematically developed. He stressed that mining reforms introduced by the Centre have already begun to show positive results, with J&K now actively participating in the national auction ecosystem.

The Minister highlighted that scientific mining, value addition, and downstream industries will play a crucial role in boosting local incomes. He also encouraged private players to invest in mineral-based industries within the Union Territory, ensuring that the benefits flow directly to the local population.

Officials from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, and the J&K administration were present during the meeting, where discussions covered exploration targets for 2025, infrastructure challenges, and strategies to accelerate project clearances.

Reddy reiterated the Centre’s focus on balancing economic development with ecological sustainability, ensuring that mining activities follow strict environmental norms and benefit tribal and rural communities in mining districts.

With renewed attention on minerals as a strategic asset, the government aims to position Jammu & Kashmir as an emerging mining and industrial hub in northern India.