The Government of India (GoI) is preparing to auction the Kishtwar Sapphire mines in a “scientific way” after the discovery of Lithium mines in the Reasi district of Jammu division.
This was announced today in Kishtwar by Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The LG also visited the holy Shri Chandi Mata Machail temple close to the Sapphire mines and offered his respects.
Lt. Governor thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for funding a survey and gemological research of the country’s sapphire mines in his speech.
LG Sinha predicted that within a year, the region will be able to sell off the Sapphire mines in a methodical fashion that would stimulate the local economy and become one of Jammu Kashmir’s primary economic drivers.
The Union Government had earlier announced that 5.9 million metric tonnes of lithium deposits had been discovered in Jammu and Kashmir. Among its many uses, lithium is a crucial component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
“Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, carried out a G3 stage mineral exploration project during Field Season 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, and estimated an inferred resource (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore,” the Ministry of Mines previously stated. The auction of lithium deposits discovered in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to begin in December, according to sources inside the Government of India.
The Lieutenant Governor met with local representatives and saw the accommodations provided for Machail Mata devotees. While at Gulabgarh Paddar, the Lt Governor spoke to PRI leaders and locals. The Lt. Governor spoke about the efforts made to improve the infrastructure and amenities for the Holy Machail Mata pilgrimage, and he reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to providing a trouble-free experience for the devotees.
More than a lakh pilgrims have arrived so far this year, he said, thanks to improvements like new roads, solar panels, and tent camps.
Additionally, the Lt. Governor paid a visit to the Buddhist Gompa at Paddar, where he spoke with monks and nuns and requested the Lord Buddha’s blessings. (KNO)
