SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Geology and Mining Department has set a revenue target of Rs 500 crore for the current financial year, a jump from Rs 150 crore in 2024–25. The announcement was made during a high-level review chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo in Srinagar on Thursday.
The meeting, attended by Principal Secretary Mining Anil Kumar Singh, Director Geology and Mining, MD JK Minerals, and other senior officials, focused on future strategies to revitalise the mining sector and curb illegal extraction across the Union Territory.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, Principal Secretary Singh informed that out of 233 mineral blocks auctioned or reserved, only 106 are currently operational. Efforts are underway to make 60 of the remaining 127 non-operational blocks functional by October 31, 2025. The revenue goal comprises Rs 260 crore from major minerals, Rs 220 crore from minor minerals, and an additional Rs 100 crore from other sources.
The Chief Secretary directed the department to implement technology-driven surveillance, including GPS tracking, RFID tagging, and geo-fencing, to clamp down on illegal mining. He also stressed the urgent need to adopt best practices from other states and expedite the issuance of Letters of Intent (LOIs) for pending mineral blocks.
Dulloo underscored the importance of public accessibility to construction materials and strict action against habitual violators. “Fair pricing and abundant availability of minor minerals must be ensured,” he said, calling for a citizen-friendly and transparent mining system backed by real-time monitoring tools.
Regarding major mineral reserves, the department reported that five limestone blocks with an estimated 75.6 million tonnes have been identified for e-auction by October. Additionally, 73 blocks are awaiting NOCs from Deputy Commissioners and are expected to generate Rs 100 crore in revenue upon auction completion.
The department also detailed ongoing investigations into lithium reserves in Reasi district, where preliminary surveys by the Geological Survey of India have indicated a resource of 5.9 million tonnes over a 3 sq km area. Detailed exploration is expected to conclude by December 31, 2025.
Other minerals under study include sapphire in Kishtwar, lignite in Kupwara, granite in Doda and Ganderbal, quartzite in Kishtwar, dolomite in Rajouri, and graphite in Kupwara.
Officials also briefed the meeting on the rollout of an integrated Mining Surveillance System (MSS) using satellite imagery. Phase-I of the project is operational, while Phase-II will introduce real-time vehicle tracking, integration with the Vahan portal, weighbridges, and e-challan generation. On-spot fines through PoS machines have already begun in Jammu and Samba districts and will be extended across Jammu and Kashmir by July 15.
To strengthen regulatory oversight, the government is constructing 22 mineral check-posts and forming multi-departmental district-level task force cells. A dedicated web portal for mineral sale and purchase is also under development.
The meeting also reviewed the functioning of Jammu & Kashmir Minerals Limited (JKML), which operates gypsum and coal mines and is planning to revive additional limestone and minor mineral blocks. Financial liabilities pending with other departments were noted for resolution to improve the PSU’s operational standing.
The Chief Secretary called for finalisation of District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) rules, reinforcing the government’s focus on reforms aligned with national mining guidelines.
