First-Ever Mineral Trust To Map & Develop Gujarat's Hidden Resources

Now, after high-level deliberations, the Industries and Mines Department has for the first time announced the Gujarat Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2025, designed to boost mineral research and development. Under the new rules, geo-physical and geochemical surveys will now help pinpoint zones with untapped potential.

A notification issued by the department states that the Trust is being formed under Section 15(A) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. According to Deputy Secretary Jigar Patel, the Trust will fund mineral exploration projects and related research in Gujarat. Modern technology and training programmes will be conducted to enhance technical capacity in the sector.

A senior official of the Industries and Mines Department said, “The structural framework of the Trust has also been finalised, consisting of a seven-member governing body and an eight-member executive committee. A contribution of 2 per cent in royalty, collected from mineral concession holders (quarry permit and leaseholders) will be allocated to the Trust Fund. This amount will be collected through e-payment and utilised for exploration projects, technical studies, training, and laboratory facilities.”

The official added, “The Trust will also be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of exploration projects. Annual plans and budgets will be approved by the governing body. The objective of these rules is to ensure effective and sustainable utilisation of mineral resources in Gujarat.”

The Trust’s Focus And Goals:

• Exploration in obvious geological potential (OGP) areas
• Conducting geo-physical and geochemical surveys
• High-risk exploration for deep-seated minerals
• Establishment of a state core repository

Members Of The Governing Body:

• MoS for the Industries and Mines Department as Chairperson
• Commissioner of Geology and Mining will serve as Member Secretary
• Additional Chief Secretaries or Principal Secretaries of Industries, Finance, and Revenue departments
• Managing Director of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC)
• Deputy Director General (Gujarat unit) of GSI (WR)

Members Of The Executive Committee:

• Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department as Chairperson
• Commissioner of Geology and Mining as Member Secretary

Supporting Members:

• Deputy Secretary (Mines)
• Additional Director (Exploration), Geology Commissionerate
• Director (Technical), GMRDS
• Accounts officer, Commissionerate
• Representative from GSI (WR)
• Senior geologist from the Commissionerate