Mines and Geology Minister KT Rama Rao today expressed content at the unforeseen growth of income through mining activity involving sand seignorage and minerals surpassing budgetary targets and expectations. Half year target of Mining industry is achieved so far, he said at a review meeting here.
The minister asked Singareni Chairman and Managing Director Sridhar to pay immediately the pending coal production royalty of Rs 1000 cr to the government. Mining activity registered an income growth of 69 per cent and sand mining at 57 per cent growth for the April-September half year results comprising two quarters. Through minor minerals Rs 357.41 cr achieved for the same period against Rs 211.40 cr during corresponding last year. Sand senerage fetched Rs 183.7 cr against Rs 117.14 cr last year.
Directing the officials to call a meeting of collectors on mining activity and prepare modalities to give incentives to the staff for better income. He vouched for a transparent work culture involving staff to get more revenue through mineral activity and asked the officials to ensure no shortage of sand for construction of houses in the State. (NSS)