‘Mining set to play big role in nation’s growth’

Exploration of rare earth minerals stressed

The mining sector would play a significant role in the development of the country by giving the necessary impetus to the economic growth, Regional Controller of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) Shailendra Kumar has said.

Speaking at a national seminar on the “role of critical minerals in the national development” organised by the Mining Engineers Association of India (MEAI) here on Friday, he said: “Minerals are essential for modern living and the demand for minerals found in the earth is set to increase exponentially with its demand in the manufacturing sector going up by the day”.

Critical miners were being extensively used in the manufacture of smartphones, flat-screen, defence, automobile, medical imaging, television and other electronic products, the IBM executive said, adding that China was topping the world in the exploration of minerals and its export and making huge strides in the manufacturing sector.