Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy Visits DMF Exhibition at Sun Temple, Konark

Konark, 21st January 2025: Union Minister for Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, visited the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Exhibition held at the iconic Sun Temple in Konark. The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, runs from 18th to 21st January 2025. During his visit, the Hon’ble Minister engaged with members of various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and explored a range of innovative products and solutions displayed at the exhibition, which showcased the transformative impact of DMF funds on mining-affected communities.

The theme of the exhibition, “Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development,” was brought to life through 18 vibrant stalls showcasing the work of DMF-supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), NALCO, HZL/Vedanta, and the Odisha Government. The products displayed focused on eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, including handcrafted items by SHGs, handwoven clothes, vibrant threads, and models of sustainable infrastructure projects funded by DMF. These exhibits highlighted the creativity and resilience of the mining-affected communities. The eco-friendly and locally crafted products drew significant attention, reflecting the creativity and resilience of the communities involved.

By 21st January, the exhibition had achieved a significant milestone, with more than ₹ 9 lakh earned collectively by all participating SHGs, further emphasizing the impact of these initiatives in fostering financial empowerment. The Exhibition was inaugurated by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Ms. Farida M. Naik on 18^th January 2025, accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry, NALCO, and OMC. The event underscored the Ministry’s commitment to driving sustainable growth and community welfare.

The second day of the 3rd National  Mines Ministers’ Conference, held at the Eco Retreat, Konark, was marked by highly productive sessions fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Key highlights included detailed presentations by 11 states, showcasing their auction processes, innovative practices, and strategies to maximize resource utilization while ensuring transparency and efficiency.

In his address, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy underlined the critical role of the mining sector in creating employment opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining and urged stakeholders to adopt cutting-edge technologies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Shri Reddy also emphasized the importance of responsible mine closure practices to ensure environmental restoration and sustainability. He highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating green initiatives, including afforestation efforts, solar energy adoption, and sustainable waste management, to minimize the environmental impact of mining activities.

The conference also featured a significant contribution from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which provided valuable insights into forest conservation and environmental safeguards. These inputs aim to guide states and stakeholders in implementing policies that balance economic growth with ecological preservation. Additionally, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) shared critical updates on safety standards, technological advancements, and training programs to enhance worker safety across mining operations.

This platform has served as a unique opportunity for states and stakeholders to exchange ideas, address challenges, and build partnerships for the sustainable development of India’s mining sector. The Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and ensure that the benefits of mining activities reach the last mile.