By Anil Pathak, Gandhinagar, 5 March 2013

The geological experts of Gujarat Mineral Development corporation GMDC have found huge stock of lignite at Umarsar mine spread in 2100 hector which has brightened new hope for industries in Kutch using lignite as fuel. According to an estimate made by the experts this mine has deposits of around one million tonnes of lignite which would be explored by the GMDC on commercial basis on the lines of the work done at Panandhro since last three decades.

Panandhro lignite mines have in all 10 million tonnes of underground lignite reserves while 90 million tonnes have been so far dug and sold to the industries in and outside Gujarat.In addition to this the GMDC have also started mining operations in rocky areas of Bhavnagar district in Saurashtra.The mines in this coastal district has underground stock of lignite totaling to 11.3 million tonnes the commercial value of which stands at Rs1,300 crore.

Besides mlignite the GMDC has also chalked out an ambitious plan of developing multi-metal project at Ambaji hills of Aravallis in North Gujarat.The company has decided to undertake the mining of Lead,Nickle and copper in a big way and the process for signing a MoU with a private firm is going on.The joint venture will be set up and the work would cost financial burden of Rs.200 crore.It will take 15 to 20 years for the project to start production of refined metal.

The management of the GMDC are also seriously contemplating on a proposal to expedite the production of lorspar at kadiPani in Bharuch district in South Gujarat..The GMDC has also undertaken mining of lime the raw material for cement plants.In Kutch district there is huge deposite of 1500 million tonnes of lime.The GMDC has invited big cement companies in the country to set up the cement plants in Kutch which has been booming with industrial activities following implementation of major rehabilitation of the district ravaged by the worst ever earthquake in 2001.