Srinagar, July 10: Chief Secretary, Atal Dullu made a comprehensive review of the operations and future strategies of the Department of Geology and Mining in a meeting today.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Mining; Director, mining; MD, JK Minerals among other concerned officials.
During the discussion, the Chief Secretary insisted on taking advantage of technology to curb illegal mining in the central region. He directed the department to adopt equipment such as GPS tracking, RFID tagging and geo-fencing as well as the development of real-time monitoring systems to generate actionable triggers against violers. He underlined the importance of creating adequate preventives especially against habitual criminals, especially to ensure strict compliance and transparency in mining works.
Dulloo further called to expedite the issuance of introduction (LOIS) letters in favor of all passive mineral blocks. He asked the department to actively contact the central mines with the Union Ministry, for the initial evaluation and auction of newly identified mineral blocks.
He asked the department to study and simulate the best practices adopted by other progressive states and center areas which are generating important revenue from the mining sector.
The Chief Secretary saw that the mining sector needed to be revived through comprehensive reforms. He said that the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) rules as per national mining reforms for early frameing.
Expressing concern over the overcharging of minor minerals, Dullu directed the department to ensure proper pricing and abundant availability of construction materials to the general public. He emphasized the need for a more transparent, civil-friendly and technology-operated ecosystem to make the region efficient, accountable and responsible for the needs of both economy and people.
Speaking in this meeting, Principal Secretary, Mining, Anil Kumar Singh said that a total of 233 mineral blocks have been auctioned/reserved in Jammu and Kashmir, 106 are currently operational while 127 are non-in-operated. He said that efforts are underway to make 60 of these non-operative blocks functional by October 31, 2025.
He said that the department has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs 500 crore for the current financial year, there has been a significant increase in financial year 2024-25 with a significant increase with Rs 150 crore. The target included Rs 260 crore from major minerals and Rs 220 crore from minor minerals, with an additional Rs 100 crore from other sources.
Regarding major minerals, it was reported that 48 lime blocks were identified, including 23 non-seminal mining leases, 7 potential 10A2 (B) case and 3 newly identified blocks in Anantnag, along with blocks in Pulwama, Ponch and Rajouri. Five Limustone Blocks with a reserve of 75.597 million tonnes have been proposed for e -auction by 31 October, 2025, with the expected revenue of Rs 260.00 crore, the meeting was reported.
Regarding minor minerals (RBM), it was discovered that the department aims to operate 60 non-conducts by October 31, 2025, contributing Rs 53 crore. Additionally, 8 letters of intentions (Loi) are to be issued within a month and 19 blocks have been identified for e-auction, with a reserved dialect finalized, which is expected to be completed within three months.
In addition, 73 blocks identified for e-auction under the single window system are waiting for NOCs from the deputy commissioners concerned, which are expected by August 18, 2025, with an estimated revenue of Rs 100 crore, as informed in the meeting.
As far as the reserves of lithium in the reset are concerned, it was divided by the GSI that the geological test indicated a 5.9 million tonnes of lithium resources that extends more than 3 sq km. Additionally, detailed geological studies are underway with the date of completion of the expected completion of 31 December, 2025.
Other mineral resources that were discussed in the meeting include Neelam (Kishtwar), Lignite (Kupwara), Limustone (Anantnag), Granite (Doda and Gandarbal), Quartzite (Institute), Dolomite (Rajauri) and Graphite (Kupwara).
In addition, it was given that the department is actively implementing technology to prevent illegal mining and monitor activities. The first stage of an integrated mining monitoring system (MSS) portal and mobile application is on to detect illegal mining using satellite imagery, with progress in the second phase.
The system will include real-time vehicle tracking, GPS-competent surveillance, integration along with the carrying portal and e-chalon generations and wetbridge. In Jammu and Samba districts, Penalty’s on-spots through Point of Sale (POS) machines were imposed on July 15, 2025, Jammu and K.
As part of steps towards curbing illegal mining, an online web-portal is also being launched for the constitution of “multi-departmental district level task force cell”, construction of 22 mineral check posts and mineral sale and purchase.
Regarding the work of J&K Minerals Limited (JKML), the meeting was informed that it currently operates coal mines in the Gypsum mine, Ramban and Calcot, Rajouri/Rasi in Parlanka. Efforts are underway to operate additional minor mineral blocks and limestone mines. It also paid attention to some financial liabilities of JKML pending with other departments to improve its position here.
