Ahmedabad, Dec 16 (IANS) The concept of introducing integrated mining cities in India was discussed here Thursday at a seminar, organised as a run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit.
The seminar was organised by the Gujarat government and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Industrial Extension Bureau.
The seminar which brought together government agencies, private sector players, external consultants and advisors from various parts of the country, discussed investment opportunities and the growth of the mining sector.
Inaugurating the seminar, Minister of State for Industries Saurabh Patel said: 'To understand and implement comprehensive and scientific mining in the State 'Integrated mining Cities' need to be set up.'
'The government wishes to encourage sustainable mining with due conservation of valuable resources at par with international best mining practice,' he added.
The state has 18 different deposits including that of lignite, bauxite, limestone, manganese, fluorspar, clay, silica sand and dolomite.