Scientific exploration of Kupwara’s mineral resources underway: Government

Srinagar, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that phased and scientific exploration of mineral resources in Kupwara district is underway, aimed at unlocking industrial growth and generating local employment.

The details were shared in a written reply to a question by legislator Mir Saifullah.

Responding on behalf of the Minister in charge of the Industries and Commerce Department, the government said Kupwara holds substantial deposits of limestone, marble, graphite, lignite and riverbed minerals.

The Department of Geology and Mining, it said, has undertaken systematic exploration across the district to assess the feasibility of sustainable and lawful utilisation of these resources. The objective is to promote mining-linked industrial development while ensuring environmental compliance.

According to the reply, limestone exploration in Kupwara has reached the G4 level and has been completed in parts of the Shumnag Block (Deckhur Ridge) in Trehgam. The government added that it approved the upgradation of limestone investigations to advanced stages under National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) funding in September last year, signalling a move towards commercial viability.

Marble has been identified as a major mineral resource in the district. The government said 12 marble blocks spread over nearly 50 hectares have been delineated, with estimated reserves of about 26.81 million tonnes. However, progress has been affected due to forest clearance requirements following the post-2019 applicability of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

Graphite exploration has also reached the G4 level, with tentative reserves of around 18,000 metric tonnes estimated during the Geological Field Season. Further exploration is underway, and the government said it is considering outsourcing the forest clearance process through QCI/NABET-accredited consultants to expedite lawful utilisation.

Lignite exploration in Kupwara has been revived under centrally sponsored schemes, with detailed drilling currently in progress in the Nichahom Block. The government said Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) has awarded core drilling work to a Delhi-based firm, with estimated reserves of about 9 million tonnes.

The reply also noted that Kupwara has sizable riverbed material deposits, now regulated under the J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules. So far, 12 mining leases have been granted through an e-auction mechanism.

Linking mineral development with industrial expansion, the government said land has been allotted to 18 industrial units in Kupwara’s industrial estates over the past three years, while 17 additional units have been formally registered. Nearly 586 kanals of land at nine locations have also been transferred for establishing new industrial estates.