Patna: The state govt is exploring a new mining strategy to tap the state’s mineral wealth without displacing landowners, with the Centre and state on Thursday discussing underground mining, scientific exploration, e-auction of mineral blocks and technology-driven extraction.At a meeting in New Delhi, Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy, Union minister of state Satish Chandra Dubey and Bihar mines and geology minister Pramod Kumar discussed a roadmap for mineral exploration, transparent auctions, revenue generation and employment creation.A key focus was the Pirpainti coal block, where Bihar has begun examining the feasibility of underground mining to safeguard the interests of farmers and landowners.Kumar told TOI that said protecting landowners’ interests would remain a priority. He said underground mining was being seriously considered so that coal extraction does not necessarily result in displacement.The state is also exploring underground coal gasification (UCG) in an unexplored coal block. The technology could allow coal to be converted into gas underground, reducing the need for conventional surface mining. Bihar plans to organise a roadshow to familiarise prospective bidders with the technology and its commercial and technical potential.The meeting also reviewed Bihar’s ongoing e-auction of stone blocks, with Reddy expressing satisfaction over the initiative and assuring the state of the Centre’s support.A separate meeting with officials of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been proposed to accelerate mineral exploration and scientifically assess Bihar’s untapped mineral potential.The Centre and the state also discussed bringing the e-auction of major mineral blocks under the Unified Mining Portal to make the allocation process more transparent and efficient.
