Gujarat’s Mines royalty crosses 2000 Cr; Geo Chemical Mapping initiated

Ahmedabad: The Commissioner of Geology and Mines (CGM) has announced that their revenue from royalty collections for FY 22-23 has seen an increase of 19% compared to the previous year to achieve an inflow of Rs 2070 cr, making it the highest in the history of the institution.

While FY19-20 and FY20-21 saw degrowth due to Covid and many other macroeconomic factors, FY21 saw a revenue jump to Rs 1,733 cr from Rs 1352 cr in the previous year, signalling a revival in the mining industry. Between FY21 and FY22, CGM has seen a 28% growth in its royalty collections, far exceeding its targets due to the collective efforts of its team, government authorities and the mining industry stakeholders, a press release stated.

CGM collected the highest royalty revenue crossing Rs. 2070 Cr in its history. It’s 19.44% raise than previous year. The contribution of Major minerals such as, Limestone, Bauxite, Lignite etc. is 30% to whole royalty collection. Whereas, the contribution of Minor minerals such as, Ordinary Sand, Blacktrap, Granite, Marble, China clay, Building stone etc. is 70% to whole royalty collection.

Mr Roopwant Singh, Outgoing Commissioner of Geology and Mines, said, “We are exploring and operationalising best measures from Integrated Lease Management System, implementing e-auction routes that bring transparency and accountability to evaluating alternatives to river sand. We are also the first state to initiate Geo Chemical Mapping.”

As part of Geo Chemical Mapping, 86 toposheets out of a total of 236 toposheets falling in the state are completed covering an area of 54412 sq. km; sample analysis and mapping are done as per GSI norms. CGM uses advanced systems Surfer, Map info, and Geosoft Montaj- Geochemistry Software for report writing.

The statement further reads, “CGM has attracted new entrepreneurs and investors in mining sector in past few years. The state has put up new 12 Limestone and Bauxite Major mineral blocks which will attract new mining industries in the state. The state has also put up 365 minor mineral blocks, which will attract individuals as well small-scale investors. These will create new opportunities for start-ups and create new employment in state. It will increase the royalty revenue in upcoming years.” DeshGujarat