Jamshedpur

Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey on Tuesday formally re-commissioned the Kendadih copper mine in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district and laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Musabani concentrator plant.

Praising BJP MP Bidyut Baran Mahato for his efforts in reviving the long-shut mine, Dubey said the Kendadih project had sufficient operational potential and called for the reopening of other viable mines across the country.

The minister also inaugurated the expansion project of the Musabani concentrator plant, which will enhance its processing capacity from 0.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 0.9 MTPA.

Dubey was in Jamshedpur to participate in the 'Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan' organised by the BJP's Jamshedpur Mahanagar Committee at the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry auditorium.

Speaking to reporters after the event, he underscored the importance of strategic minerals such as copper and coal in driving India's growth.

"Jharkhand possesses abundant mineral wealth. Opening more mines will create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the economic development of both the state and the nation," he said.

Describing the revival of the Kendadih copper mine as more than an industrial initiative, Dubey said it represented a major step towards achieving the vision of an "Atmanirbhar Bharat".

"The restarting of the Kendadih mine and the expansion of the Musabani concentrator plant will increase domestic copper production, generate jobs for local youth and stimulate economic activity in the region," he noted.

The minister asserted that India was steadily moving towards self-reliance in critical minerals under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that the mining sector was crucial to the country's goal of becoming a developed nation.

Responding to questions on coal gasification, Dubey described it as one of the government's flagship initiatives.

"The Centre has earmarked Rs 37,500 crore for coal gasification projects and is encouraging participation through roadshows being held in Hyderabad, Maharashtra, Delhi and other cities," he said.

He urged private companies and other stakeholders to actively participate in the bidding process and called on successful bidders to expedite project implementation, stressing that coal gasification holds strategic importance for the country's energy future.

Dubey further assured that the Union government would extend full support to states pursuing coal gasification projects aggressively.

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Addressing the gathering at the 'Vikshit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan', the minister claimed that the public's continued trust in the Modi government stemmed from its commitment to the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas".