Karbi Anglong: MoU signed between KAAC and AMDCL

Our Correspondent

Diphu, Sep. 2 (EMN): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and Assam Mineral Development Corporation Limited (AMDCL), a government of Assam undertaking, for mineral prospecting, exploration survey and mining of the mineral deposition under the jurisdiction of KAAC.

The MoU was signed in presence of Minister Mines and Minerals and Power, Nandita Garlosa at Arboretum cum Craft Centre, Matipung in Diphu on Friday.

Prior to the signing of MoU, a meeting was held between KAAC and AMDCL, which was chaired by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang and attended by Nandita Garlosa; MLAs Bidyasing Engleng, Dorsing Ronghang and Rupsing Teron including EMs and MACs of KAAC.

The meeting discussed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exploration, auction and mining of minerals and sharing of royalties in the districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts with the Assam government.

Later, informing the media persons, Ronghang said that a survey for a mining site has been completed following discussion with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nandita Garlosa. He also said that the Assam government will be receiving revenue of 40 percent, while KAAC will be receiving revenue of 60 percent from mining.

The CEM said that the revenue received by the KAAC will be used for various developmental activities.

He said, with the legalisation of mining, illegal mining activities will stop.

When asked about environmental degradation, the CEM said that no harm will occur as the survey has already been done. With mining to take place, a large number of unskilled labourers will be absorbed, the CEM said.

Nandita Gorlosa said, ‘it was a successful meeting between KAAC and the Mimes and Minerals department as we are moving forward. The Mine & Mineral and Power are the most revenue generating sectors.”

The minister also held a meeting with the officials of APDCL and Corporation and suggested on having an office in West Karbi Anglong. There were complaints about an error in meter reading, power disruption, shifting of power stations, etc.