Assam: 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers’ Conclave held in Guwahati Paves Way for Sustainable Mining and Regional Growth

GUWAHATI- The 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers’ Conclave, held at the luxurious Mayfair Spring Valley Resort in Guwahati on June 27-28, 2025, marked a significant milestone in unlocking the mineral and coal potential of India’s North Eastern Region (NER).

Organized by the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Coal in collaboration with the Government of Assam, the two-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from all eight Northeastern states to foster sustainable mining, enhance Centre-state coordination, and drive economic growth under the Government of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.

Inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Guest, alongside Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, the conclave underscored the region’s critical role in India’s mining and energy roadmap. The event featured impactful sessions, exhibitions, and the release of key publications aimed at promoting scientific mining, transparency, and environmental sustainability.

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Key Highlights of the Conclave

• Speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the Central government’s commitment to developing the mining sector in the Northeast, praising Assam’s efforts to curb illegal mining. “The Northeast, referred to as the Ashtalakshmi states, holds immense potential to become a national benchmark for sustainable and inclusive mining,” Reddy said.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced ambitious plans to bolster the state’s mining sector, including the auction of seven limestone blocks in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district, with five already auctioned and two expected to be finalized by August 2025. He expressed confidence that at least one limestone block would be operational by December 2025. Sarma also revealed that the state cabinet has approved the Assam State Mineral Trust to fund sustainable exploration of minor minerals and that the Assam Mineral Policy is set to be implemented within a month. Additionally, 14 Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹46,000 crore were signed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit to attract investment in the mining sector.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) played a pivotal role, presenting findings that identified over 36,000 square kilometers in the Northeast with mineral potential, translating to nearly 3,000 prospective mines. VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, called for leveraging Artificial Intelligence in mineral exploration, noting that the Northeast hosts one of India’s first AI-supported exploration projects under the National Mineral Exploration Trust.
• The Ministry of Coal launched two key publications: the “Report on Coal Resources & Exploration in North Eastern Region” and a brochure on commercial coal mining in the NER. These documents highlighted the successful auction of five coal blocks in the region, with a combined capacity of 1.234 million tonnes per annum, and plans for over 3.9 lakh meters of drilling to promote sustainable coal mining practices.

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

A significant announcement came from NLC India Ltd., which unveiled plans to establish 1,000 MW of solar power capacity in Assam.

MoUs were also signed between central agencies, state governments, and public sector undertakings to accelerate mineral exploration and address environmental challenges like landslides, which frequently affect the region.

Assam’s proactive measures included transferring 2 bighas of land in North Guwahati to the GSI for a new regional office and allotting land to Coal India Limited for expanding the Tirap and Tikok opencast coal mines.

Regional Development and Economic Impact

The conclave highlighted the Northeast’s transformation into an economic hub, driven by the Central government’s infrastructure push under the Highways, Internet, Railways, and Airport (HIRA) model. Reddy noted that the region has seen 11,000 kilometers of highways, new railway lines, doubled airports, and a 1,600-kilometer Northeast gas grid, positioning it as a vital link to Southeast Asian markets. India’s trade with ASEAN, currently at $125 billion, is projected to exceed $200 billion in the coming years.

To boost employment, the Ministry of Mines announced a token grant of ₹10 crore to each Northeastern state. The event also showcased the region’s progress in mineral auctions, with 283 blocks auctioned nationwide in FY 2024–25, including five from Assam and four from Arunachal Pradesh, bringing the cumulative total to 515.

A Platform for Collaboration

The conclave featured technical sessions on exploration, state reforms, sustainable coal mining, renewable energy, and mine safety, with presentations from all eight Northeastern states on the second day. Ministers including Kaushik Rai (Assam), Pintso Namgyal Lepcha (Sikkim), Wangki Lowang (Arunachal Pradesh), and others participated, reinforcing a unified vision for regional development. An exhibition at the Mayfair Resort showcased exploration activities, sustainable practices, and technological innovations tailored to the NER.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of the first conclave in Nagaland, the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers’ Conclave has set a robust foundation for future investments, innovation, and inclusive growth. As Chief Minister Sarma urged, “The revenue from these activities will remain with the states,” ensuring that the Northeast’s mineral wealth benefits its communities while contributing to national development.

Remarkable success of Mayfair program

The Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, nestled amidst Guwahati’s verdant hills, provided a serene yet dynamic backdrop for this landmark event, symbolizing the region’s blend of natural beauty and economic potential. With its focus on sustainable mining and regional collaboration, the conclave has positioned the Northeast as a beacon of responsible resource development in India’s growth narrative.