Inaugurating the 10th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting- FRAGBLAST, the Minister also emphasised on developing state-of-the-art technology to increase mining productivity without disturbing the ecosystem.
"Challenge is to focus on sustainable source of energy, including transiting from conventional to sustainable modes of energy supply. We need innovative solutions, state-of-the-art engineering and technologies to achieve this target," he said.
Reddy also said that in India, "the focus has been on minimising the cost of blasting (in mines and on rock surfaces) and controlling environmental effect of noise and other effects".
Exhorting mining engineers and scientists to ensure better productivity of essential minerals, he asked them to minimise cost of rock blasting.
"The operating cost has to be minimised and rock deposits have to be fully exploited. To arrive at an optimum solution we need to continuously advance the knowledge of the process on operational aspects of rock blasting," he said.
Reddy suggested both innovation and outsourcing as the possible means to develop required technology for rock blasting.
"I personally feel the need for more innovation in energy sector to overcome challenges being faced by all of us. Open innovation and outsourcing both could also play a role. I am very much optimistic that global scientific leaders will provide necessary next generation technology for this," he said.
