After the auction of lithium in Reasi Jammu, the sapphire will now be extracted in Kishtwar and a formal agreement will be signed with the companies to extract the sapphire scientifically.
While the Lt. Governor thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Government of India for providing support for sapphire mine survey, gemological studies.
According to CNI, after the discovery of lithium mines in Reasi district of Jammu Division, the Indian government is set to auction the sapphire mines of Kishtwar in a “scientific manner”. This was revealed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Kishtwar.
The LG also paid obeisance at the holy Chandi Mata Machel temple near Sapphire Mines.
LG Sinha said, “In the next one year, we will be in a position to auction sapphire mines in a scientific manner which will boost the local economy and will become one of the major contributors to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, the central government had said that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves have been found in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in the country.
Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the main components of EV batteries among other industries.
“The Geological Survey of India, an office attached to the Ministry of Mines, has carried out an exploration project for G3 phase minerals in the Salal-Hemna areas of District Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir during the field seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22 and it has an estimated resource of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore and the report has been handed over to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Moreover, according to sources of the Government of India, the auction of lithium reserves found in the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be started by December.
During the visit, the Lt. Governor reviewed the facilities offered to pilgrims at Mitchell Mata and also interacted with delegations of local residents. At Gulabgarh Padar, the Lt. Governor addressed PRI representatives and citizens.
Discussing the steps taken to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities for the Yatra of Mitchell Mata, the Lt. Governor reiterated the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure a smooth and hassle-free Yatra for the devotees.
He added that road construction, solar power and tented accommodation for pilgrims have boosted the influx and this year the number of pilgrims has crossed over one lakh.
The Lt. Governor also visited the Buddha Gompa at Padar, where he sought the blessings of Lord Buddha and interacted with of the Buddhist community.(CNI)
