Nagaland government to explore minerals, coal, gold

The Nagaland government has inked an MoU with Bangalore-based Trident Mineral Resources for a joint venture project on exploration, prospecting and follow-up feasibility studies of important minerals like gold, chromium, nickel and platinum group of elements and other base metals.     

The proposed project will cover an area of 1,850 Sq Km under Pokphur and Zephuhu blocks in Tuensang and Phek districts, Parliamentary Secretary for Geology and Mining Y Patton told a recent meeting of State Geological Programming Board (SGPB).     

He said another broad MoU was signed between Department of Geology and Mining and Resources Cement Ltd, Kolkata to set up a mega cement plant at Laluri in Phek district based on Mimi limestone deposits.     

The department also entered into an MoU with Prithvi Energy Ltd, Kolkata to set up a coal-based thermal plant, the Parliamentary Secretary informed the 28th meeting of SGPB.      

Moreover, the techno-economic feasibility studies of nickel-cobalt-chromium bearing magnetite belt at Pokphur in Tuensang district in collaboration with National Metallurical Laboratory, Jamshedpur was under progress.     

Patton said development of coal resources had added to the state's revenue with the implementation of the new state coal policy and rules, adding further that scientific development of coal resources would provide more avenues for setting up coal-based industries in the state.