Date | May 09, 2016:

Updation of National Mineral Inventory (NMI) of 71 minerals is underway and the process would be completed by next year, Lok Sabha was informed on May 9.

Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said preparation and updation of NMI is already being carried out by adopting 'United Nations Framework Classification' and it is being maintained in data base in Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), a subordinate office of Ministry of Mines.

"The NMI is prepared and updated periodically every five years. Presently, the updation of NMI as on April 1, 2015 for 71 minerals is in progress and would be completed by 2017," he said during Question Hour.

Tomar said there is no separate fund allocated for preparation of NMI. Preparation of NMI is being done under the 'Charter of Functions' entrusted to IBM wherein IBM is required to collect, collate and organise into a data base, all information on exploration, prospecting mines and minerals in the country in the shape of a 'National Mineral Information Repository' and take steps to publish and disseminate the same.

(Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/)