Belagavi: Karnataka Minister for Mines and Geology Murugesh Nirani said that the State Government is contemplating to establish a Mining University and have research and development established to impart scientific mining. Speaking to the media, he said, “Our government will give more priority to scientific and safe mining and has decided to establish Mining University in the State.” He said that the Mining University will be on the lines of the sugarcane development and research institutes that guide farmers on sugarcane and allied products farming. 

There was no Mining University in the State and proposed one will meet the requirements of the country. The University will impart training on scientific mining, prevent problems arising by following norms and adopt new techniques to exploit the mining location in a scientific manner. Global tender will be floated for e-consultancy for the Varsity, he added. He said that many complaints of miners not following the guidelines, norms and safety precautions that endanger the lives of others have come to notice. Many of the quarries and crushers do not construct fence walls of over 10 feet height as it wasn’t viable for them, nor use the technique of controlled blasting to avoid inconveniences to others. “We will be discussing this matter with related departments and officers very soon,” he added.

The Minister said that the cost of sand, stone jelly, limestone and others have increased by 20 to 30 percent in recent months due to shortage. There has to be balance between demand and supply. Our intention is to make sand available easily to the villagers for their personal constructions, some time they are facing many problems, our Department will look into the matter in the coming days, he said.

We shall conduct a survey by using drone & satellite to ascertain the amount of minerals mined and if paid royalty or not. There were provisions for penalty too. Cases have been filed against mine owners, explosive suppliers and transporters who had violated guidelines, Govt. already sanctioned five lakh rupees compensation to the victims’ family and trying to give more compensation from mine owners, he added.

Process of sand mining too was being simplified. Sand available in nallahs and other patches could be used by locals for their use by carrying it in bullock-cart and tractors. Cases will not be booked against such transport. “We have planned to make five to six categories in sand-mining to auction and that cannot be auctioned. Revenue deficit will be overcome through other ore royalty,” he stated.