Rajasthan Mines Dept to set up Centre of Excellence to showcase mineral resources

Jaipur, Jul 11 (PTI) Rajasthan's Mines Department plans to set up a multi-dimensional and multi-purpose 'Centre of Excellence for Mines' in Jaipur, which will showcase the state's vast mineral resources and provide research-based information, a senior official said. Additional Chief Secretary (Mines) Aparna Arora said the proposed centre will include comprehensive and research-oriented material on a wide range of minerals, from minor to major minerals, ceramics, rare earth elements and critical minerals. "The Centre of Excellence for Mines being developed in Jaipur will bring together factual and practical information about Rajasthan's minerals under one roof for scholars from the state, the country and across the world," she said. Arora said the centre is being designed as a multi-dimensional facility catering to a wide audience. "It will be made multi-purpose so that it is useful not only for children and students but also for researchers and scholars," she added. She was chairing a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Friday to review the initial preparations for setting up the centre, which will also include components related to critical minerals, ceramics and a museum. Highlighting its potential impact, Arora said the initiative would benefit investors and entrepreneurs in the mining sector. "It will help explore possibilities for development in the mining sector, from exploration to mineral processing in the state.. Noting the state's mineral wealth, Arora said Rajasthan has a diverse mineral base. "There are 82 types of minerals in the state, out of which 57 are currently being mined," she said. PTI AG MR