IMPHAL, Mar 2: Although the State government has already drafted the State Mineral Policy, the government needs consent and support of all hill tribal leaders and village chiefs for a successful in exploration of natural minerals, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam told the House today.
Since the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Records Act is not applicable in the hill districts, several issues may erupt during oil exploration in the State, the minister elaborated.
He said now, a multi-national company Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited will conduct exploration and drilling work in two oil blocks in Churachandpur and Tamenglong.
He continued from March 4 to 7, teams of the company will come and conduct surveys of the route to the blocks and conduct examinations on whether crude oil can be extracted for commercial purpose or whether the machineries will be able to move in the area.
The minister also said that the Satyam Group of Industry will be provided land on lease as it will revive the Hundung Cement Factory.
Stressing further on mineral exploration in the State, the minister said an Orissa based company had started exploration for chromites, however, after a dispute erupted between Nunghar and Shihai villages over ownership of land which is presently with the Gauhati High Court, the mining had to be stopped.
He further added that mineral mining can be done in the State, but for this the government has to properly negotiate with the people of the hills.