As part of the 78th Foundation Day, the Indian Bureau of Mines observed Khanij Diwas on 1st March, 2025 at its Headquarters in Nagpur. Sh. Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir, Additional Director General and Head of Department, Central Region, Geological Survey of India (GSI) graced the occasion as chief guest and Sh. Indra Dev Narayan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, MECL was the guest of honour.  Sh. Pankaj Kulshrestha, Chief Controller of Mines, IBM, presided over the function.

In his inaugural address, Sh. Ganvir congratulated IBM for completing 78 years of exemplary service to the nation and lauded the tremendous efforts of all retired department heads in steering the organisation right from its inception. The officers have laid a strong foundation for IBM, he said, adding that IBM contributed immensely to the mining sector by way of devising and implementing of policies. Shri Ganvir also thanked IBM for being a proactive partner of GSI in framing of various rules concerning the offshore mining sector and preparing for offshore mine auctions.

“The Government has identified 30 critical minerals and has set a target to reduce the dependency of the Country for these critical minerals. IBM has initiated many initiatives such as   Mining Tenement System (MTS),” he said, adding that IBM and GSI are playing key roles in bringing the offshore mines to auction stage. “The partnership between GSI and IBM have essentially provided for research and exploration, scientific development of resources and conservation,” he said.   

The technological intervention is the need of the hour in exploring deep-seated minerals and the two organisations should continue to engage actively to meet the expectations of the industry, he said. He said the new projects initiated by IBM through use of technology have brought in more transparency in the auctions and mining operations.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Indra Dev Narayan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, MECL, said the Khanij Diwas programme is not just a matter of pride for IBM but the entire country as this organisation has been serving India for the last 78 years. He lauded IBM for its Star Ratings System that promotes sustainable mining practices and Mining Tenement System for enhancing transparency in the mining sector. He said IBM is doing a commendable job in the fast changing landscape of minerals and mining sector.

He said IBM plays a key role in securing mineral resources and systematic utilisation and conservation of the important minerals in the country. The department is contributing immensely to the field of mineral beneficiation, he added.

Shri Narayan said Nagpur hosts a “Mining Kumbh” as the city serves as the ‘Sangam’ (confluence) of GSI, IBM and MECL. He also foresaw challenges in the mining sector in the future and asked IBM to be prepared for these challenges.

Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, CCOM (MES), in his presidential address, said IBM has come a long way and threw light on its journey from this day in 1948. He underscored the role played by IBM in providing support to the Ministry of Mines with data and queries as and when sought by it. He said Critical Minerals is a very important area these days and Government of India is trying to make the country self-reliant in terms of these minerals.

He said IBM is at the forefront of digitisation with implementation of e-Office, Mining Surveillance System, MTS modules and drone technology in monitoring of mining areas.

Shri Kulshrestha also agreed that there are challenging times ahead but exuded confidence that the Department and the Mining Sector shall overcome these challenges.

He also referred to the recent amendments bringing four minor minerals under major minerals category, saying IBM’s regional offices need to brace for increased workload and more responsibilities in future due to addition of these minerals as Major Minerals. Earlier, the programme commenced with lighting of traditional lamp, singing of devotional song, introduction of the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour and felicitation of the dignitaries.

Dr V.A.J Aruna, Superintending Officer (Ore Dressing), Shri D.N.Bhargava, retired Controller General and others were present.

Smt. Preeti Mishra, Deputy Ore Dressing Officer, hosted the function. Shri Amit Kamble, DODO gave the vote of thanks.

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Source: IBM Nagpur DW/PK

 

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