Bhubaneswar: The revenue collection from minor mineral resources like sand, stone, and sairat sources witnessed an upward trend during the last five years.
According to data submitted in the Assembly during the ongoing winter session, the minor mineral revenue was increased by 118 percent during the past five financial years.
The state has collected revenue worth Rs 680.6 crore during the financial year 2019-20, which was increased to Rs 1487.55 crore in the end of financial year 2023-24.
The minor mineral revenue collection was Rs 961.96 crore in the fiscal 2020-21, which was increased to Rs 1058.4 crore during 2021-22, Rs 1195.03 crore in 2022-23 and further went up to Rs 1487.55 crore during the last financial year.
During 2023-24, highest minor mineral revenue of Rs 117.34 crore was collected in mineral-rich Keonjhar district, followed by Ganjam (Rs 125.11 crore), Mayurbhanj (Rs 120 crore). Lowest revenue of Rs 13.26 crore was collected from Deogarh district during the year.
The minor minerals, which was earlier looked after by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, is now under the administrative control of Steel and Mines Department.
A dedicated Integrated Minor Minerals Mines Management System (i4MS) has been put in place for closely monitoring and effective exploration of the minor mineral resources.
Besides, a separate Directorate of Minor Minerals has also been functioning in the Steel and Mines Department to look after the resources.
Since the minor mineral sector is a potential source of the state’s revenue, a thrust is being given on optimization of scientific and sustainable production of such resources, sources said.