Jharkhand resource-rich, need to harness technology to make mining sustainable: Hemant Soren

New Delhi, Jul 8 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the mineral-rich state should build an identity based not only on its natural resources but also on knowledge, and pitched for the use of technology in making mining more sustainable. Addressing the National Stakeholders Consultation 2026 organised by the Jharkhand government here, Soren said the state was inseparable from India's growth story, and stressed the need for long-term partnerships with industry. "If we talk about the country's industrial growth, we don't see that happening without Jharkhand in the picture," he said, adding that the state had contributed not only mineral resources but also bureaucrats, technologists and skilled professionals to the country. Maintaining that every state has its own strengths and ecosystem, Soren cautioned against adopting a "copy-paste" approach to development. "We want AI, technology and good governance. The way AI and technology are developing, we need to see how mining can be carried out scientifically while protecting ecology," he said. Noting that mining activities are carried out in 14 of Jharkhand's 24 districts, Soren said technological advancements should be harnessed to balance economic development with environmental protection. He also highlighted the state's reserves of critical minerals, including uranium and mica. Jharkhand has significant uranium deposits, the chief minister said, citing assessments that suggest the reserves could meet the country's requirements for decades. He also pointed to the challenges in assessing the extent of mica deposits, saying neither the state nor the Centre currently possessed adequate technology to accurately estimate the resource. "Our identity should not come just from mines, but also from minds. It should be about action as well as innovation, growth as well as inclusive growth," he said. The two-day consultation, which began on Wednesday, has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and experts to discuss digital governance, artificial intelligence, industrial promotion, investment and tourism, the state government said in a statement. PTI SBR RUK RUK