Plans are underway for the inauguration of the state’s first and the country’s second Mine training school in Ballari to offer training in the management of mines (for owners) and technical skills (for workers).
Mines Minister Murugesh Nirani announced the new school at Tumakuru on Monday. The detailed project report was already ready and the school would come up on 50 acres in Ballari. “Shortly, we will seek Cabinet approval for the new school, which will provide international level training to both owners and workers of mines,” he said
Preventing unscientific mining, as well as all types of mining training, will be initiated. The minister said that the main purpose was to train mining operators and entrepreneurs on how to manage to mine scientifically.
The Minister also said the State would appeal before the Supreme Court to lift the ban on the export of minerals from Karnataka. “The restriction has caused enormous loss to the State exchequer. The iron ore was being bought at a cheaper price and steel was being exported at a higher price,” he said.
He also said that over 6,000 applications were pending before the department and a decision has been taken to grant mining licence to those who received a NOC prior to 2016.
Plans will be made to set up in every district and measures be taken to respond effectively to the grievances of the workers in the mining area. Mining has been prohibited till 10 km. 154 mining zones are identified to be functional currently.