The Centre is aiming at more explorations for underground mineral deposits to augment the non-petroleum and iron ore sectors’ contribution to GDP within a decade, Union Coal and Mines Minister Prahlad Joshi said on Thursday. Joshi, who was talking to reporters here, said a total 430 blocks at the G2, G3 and G4 levels have been explored across the country and the reports about the exploration have been handed over to states concerned.
“The contribution of the mining sector to GDP is less than one per cent and I am talking about minerals other than petroleum products and (iron) ore. As envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi we have to take it (contribution) to at least 2.5 per cent by 2030.
