Nagpur | Feb 28, 2017: The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) will commemorate its 70th Foundation Day on March 1, 2017 as “Khanij Diwas”. On this day in 1948, the Indian Bureau of Mines was established. Pursuant to the deliberations of the Mineral Policy Conference that was held by the Department of Works, Mines and Power at New Delhi between January 10 and 13 1947, it was considered that a National Mineral Policy should be formulated and pursued. The Conference in its unanimous resolution agreed upon the need for formulation of such a policy to govern the mineral wealth of the country and to establish a Central Machinery for coordinating, planning and developing the country’s mineral resources. To achieve these objectives the Government of India decided to constitute a competent technical organization to work in close liaison with various Ministries and Departments of the Central Government and with that of all functioning Mines and consequently on March 1, 1948 set up Indian Bureau of Mines.

From a modest beginning as a purely advisory body, IBM has emerged into a premier national organization involved deeply in the overall development of the Mineral Industry and is firmly entrenched in the principles of scientific development and conservation of the country’s mineral resources.

Over the years, the role and structure of IBM has undergone many transitions in tune with the constantly changing mineral scenarios. Presently, IBM’s jurisdiction is in performing regulatory and development functions in respects of all minerals except fuel, atomic and minor minerals in the country. Its multi-faceted role as regulator, facilitator, consultant, R&D centre, Advisor to the Government and as data bank on Mines & Minerals information has transformed IBM into a behemoth which is responsible for ensuring Systematic and Scientific Mining, Conversation of Minerals and Protection of environment.

In remembrance of its Foundation Day which is celebrated as ‘Khanij Diwas’, a grand function will be organised at IBM Headquarters at Indira Bhawan on March 1, 2017 at 3.00 p.m. in which M. Raju, Director General, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, will be the Chief Guest and Prof Girishavar Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Wardha, will be the Special Guest. Ranjan Sahai, Controller General (In-charge) of Indian Bureau of Mines will preside over the function.

(Source: http://www.nagpurtoday.in/)