Guwahati, May 18 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state has emerged as a major destination for mining and mineral-based investments after undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the sector, adding that the Centre has rewarded Assam with a Rs 500 crore incentive for its achievements.

In a post on X, Sarma said Assam has taken “incremental leaps” in the mining sector by introducing major reforms and creating a transparent and investor-friendly ecosystem.

“Assam has taken incremental leaps in its mining sector, bringing major reforms and making it a lucrative sector for investments, for which we’ve also received a Rs 500 crore incentive from the Government of India,” the Chief Minister wrote.

According to the state government, Assam has successfully achieved all three reform components under the Government of India’s Mining Sector Reforms initiative linked to the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment Scheme for 2025-26.

Officials said Assam is the only state in the country to secure the full Rs 500 crore incentive from the Union Ministry of Mines under the scheme.

The reforms cover three major areas: minor mineral reforms, operationalisation of major mineral mines, and implementation of State Mining Readiness Index reforms.

The government said Assam has also scripted one of the country’s major mining reform success stories through the auction of 12 limestone blocks in Dima Hasao district, with an estimated mineral value of nearly Rs 92,828 crore.

Among the notable projects is the North Boro Hundong Limestone Block (Part-B), which became operational within 9 months of the issuance of the Letter of Intent, making it one of the fastest operationalisation projects in the country.

The state government further said Assam is building a future-ready mining ecosystem through technology-enabled governance, drone and LiDAR-based monitoring, Artificial Intelligence-driven smart mining initiatives, and transparent online administration systems.

Exploration activities for limestone, coal, iron ore, granite, quartzite, and rare earth elements are also being expanded across multiple districts to position Assam as a key player in India’s critical mineral and infrastructure growth sector.

With reforms focused on transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, the government said Assam is steadily moving towards scientific and responsible mineral development, boosting economic growth and investor confidence.

–IANS

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