Udaipur: “The government’s approach has now changed. Under the Ease of Doing Business framework, it is essential that all activities are carried out in accordance with regulations and with complete transparency. Mining department officials themselves appear before mine owners to address and resolve their issues.”
These views were expressed by Abhay Agarwal at UCCI.
Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI), in collaboration with the Indian Bureau of Mines, organized a technical workshop on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Pyrotech Tempusons Auditorium at UCCI. The workshop focused on resolving issues related to registration and filing monthly and annual returns for minerals such as quartz, feldspar, mica, barytes, and limestone.
In the inaugural session, UCCI President Manish Galundia welcomed the participants and stated that the awareness workshop would prove highly beneficial for mine owners, helping them understand the complexities of return filing and registration procedures.
Chief Guest Abhay Agarwal, Mining Controller, Indian Bureau of Mines, stated that the workshop was organized in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Mines for the benefit of mining entrepreneurs in the Udaipur division. He explained that since quartz, feldspar, mica, barytes, and limestone have been reclassified from minor minerals to major minerals, mining leaseholders have been facing various challenges. The workshop was organized to address and resolve these concerns.
Special Guest Mahesh Mathur, Additional Director of the Department of Mines and Geology, mentioned that the process of simplifying various mining compliance rules is underway and that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being prepared. He added that with the reclassification of these minerals as major minerals, the responsibilities of mining leaseholders have increased. Furthermore, the Indian Bureau of Mines is working toward implementing drone surveys for practical demarcation of mining lease boundaries.
During the technical session, senior mining geologist Dilip Jain delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation covering the importance of return filing, the necessity of timely submission, registration procedures, and the process of filing monthly and annual returns.
In the question-and-answer session, mine owners raised their queries and concerns, which were addressed in detail by subject experts from the Indian Bureau of Mines. UCCI Mining Subcommittee Chairman M.L. Loonawat, Mining Engineer Asif Ansari from the Department of Mines and Geology, and Assistant Mining Engineer Ajay Jatolia also shared their views.
The program was moderated by Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal. More than 75 mine owners and representatives from the mining sector participated in the workshop. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Hitanshu Kaushal.