Union of Minister of Coal, Mines Pralhad Joshi  said that India’s total geographical area under mining has increased substantially during the last few years and the sector is providing employment opportunities to 12 million people across the country, both directly and indirectly.

Addressing the 36th International Geological Congress inaugural session virtually today, Minister Shri Joshi stated that the pace of mineral exploration has increased manifold under the present Government.

Highlighting the recent reforms undertaken in the Mining Sector that provided  the right fillip to the Indian economy, Shri Joshi praised the noteworthy strides made by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in making use of the latest technologies for scaling greater heights in excellence.

Touching upon the importance of the 36th International Geological Congress,  the Minister said that the three day  event, hosted by India after 58 years, will provide the right platform for geoscientists from across the globe to formulate  more effective tools in the field of sustainable development.

The 36th International Geological Congress is based on the theme  “Geosciences: The Basic Science for a Sustainable Future”. IGC is a joint endeavour of the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Indian National Science Academy and the Science Academies of Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Described as the Olympics of Geosciences, the IGCs are held quadrennial, under the aegis of the International Union of Geological Congress (IUGS), the Scientific Sponsor of the IGCs. The three -day event will witness  participation of   5000 - 7000 delegates from all over the world.

 The event would provide a unique platform for knowledge and experience sharing in the field of geosciences and professional networking.

It would give first-hand information on latest technologies in mining, mineral exploration and management of water, mineral resource and environment. On the inaugural day of the IGC, commemorative Postage Stamps,  First Day Cover and  multi-colour coffee table books on Geo tourism hotspots were released