New Delhi, Nov 01: President A P J Abdul Kalam today called for evolving a total management solution to attract more foreign investment in the mining sector while stressing the need for increased investment in research and development. Pointing out that the mining sector had not attracted enough foreign investment, Kalam called for facilitation of joint venture partnerships which will need the involvement of not only the private sector but also the government at both, central and state levels. Kalam also noted that though mining safety had improved in the recent years, the country was nowhere near zero mining accident rate. "Mining safety has improved, but we are still far away from zero mining accident rate. This congress should create a website which can be used to post comments and experiences by experts across the world," he said while addressing the 19th World Mining Congress here. Taking note of the fact that high noise and other kinds of pollution characterise the mining industry today, the President asked the congress to evolve methods for making mining safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly.

He said among the challenges before India was hiking mining target to account for 10 per cent of GDP against 3-5 per cent at present and significantly improving productivity in this sector.


Bureau Report