Workshop Organized by Indian Bureau of Mines for Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Barytes, and Limestone Mining Entrepreneurs

On February 17, 2026, a workshop was held to raise awareness among owners of quartz, feldspar, mica, barytes, and limestone mines in western Rajasthan. The event was jointly organized by the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries and the North Zone Office of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

In his address, Mr. Abhay Agrawal, Mining Controller of the Indian Bureau of Mines (Western Zone), explained that, as per the Government of India’s notification, these minerals have been reclassified from non-principal to principal minerals. This step aims to make the country self-reliant in the field of critical minerals, as these are often found alongside quartz, feldspar, mica, and similar resources.

To assist mining entrepreneurs with monthly and annual reporting and registration challenges, the Indian Bureau of Mines, in collaboration with the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries, organized this one-day workshop. He also highlighted that the government is working on simplifying rules related to these minerals at the national level.

Mr. Manish Galundia, President of the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries, emphasized that the Chamber acts as a bridge between the government and business owners. He noted that the workshop aimed to help small mining operators understand how to file online returns and encouraged all attendees to comply with regulations to avoid future difficulties.

Officials from the Ajmer Office of the Indian Bureau of Mines, including Mr. Dilip Jain, Senior Mining Geologist, and Mr. Ajay Jatolia, Assistant Mining Engineer, explained in detail through PowerPoint presentations how to submit online monthly and annual returns and complete registration. They also addressed questions and concerns raised by mine owners during the session.

The workshop was also attended by Mr. Mahesh Mathur, Additional Director, Mines & Geology Department, Government of Rajasthan, and Mr. Asif Ansari, Mining Engineer, Mines & Geology Department, Rajasthan Government. They assured participants that both the Government of India and the Government of Rajasthan are committed to resolving miners’ issues and encouraged mine owners to seek help from their offices whenever needed.

Former President of the Chamber, Mr. M.L. Lunawat, highlighted various challenges faced by mining leaseholders and requested simplification of rules for small mine owners to enhance compliance. Mr. Abhay Agrawal responded to the queries and assured prompt resolution.

Over 75 mining entrepreneurs and their representatives from the Udaipur division attended the workshop. The event was successfully conducted by Mr. Hitanshu Kaushal, Executive Member and Vice-President (Mining Subcommittee), Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries, along with the team from the Udaipur office of the Indian Bureau of Mines, including Mr. Manish Gupta, Assistant Mining Controller, Mr. Ajikey Prataprao Bhakhe, Assistant Mining Controller, Mr. Surendra Kumawat, and Mr. Dilip Panwar.