The Indian Bureau of Mines celebrated the 79th Foundation Day as “KhanijDiwas” on 1st March, 2026 at its Headquarters in Nagpur. Smt. VijayalakshmiBidari, Divisional Commissioner,Nagpur was the chief guest and ShriPankajKulshrestha, Controller General, IBM presided over the function.
In her inaugural address, SmtVijayalakahamiBidari congratulated IBM for successfully completing 79 years of exemplary service to the nation. “The Bureau has transformed from a technical advisory body to a national technical regulator. The digital transformation transcending through Mining Tenement System (MTS), an online system integrating mining approval, return filing, compliance and monitoring has been a success,” she said congratulating IBM for being awarded the E-Governance Gold Category Award, 2024-25 for implementation of the MTS System in mining regulation.
The Divisional Commissioner said IBM has played a key role in contributing to the GDP of the country through sustainable development of mineral resources and creating employment and called for more thrust on sustainable practices for judicious use of mineral resources and preserving of ecology. She exuded confidence that IBM shall be able to assimilate Artificial Intelligence tools in its future policies in the coming years and make strides in mineral development and protection of rights of local tribal population with efficient use of District Mineral Funds for people affected by mining; creating better health facilities and skilling programmes in such areas.
She said IBM and State Government can work together more closely for issues related to tribal population, surface rights and forest issues. The average sale price of minerals determined by IBM is critical for royalty generation for states, she said adding that State Government is looking for cooperation in mining activity in Nagpur region for coal, iron ore and limestone.The StateGovt aims to develop Gadchiroli district as the Steel City of India as major investments interests are seen coming and develop the region as a steel hub.
In his presidential address, ShriPankajKulshrestha, Controller General said minerals are the backbone of major industries like power, steel, cement and others. The Government’s focus is on mining with protection of forest and ecology which increases IBM’s responsibility. IBM shall make more efforts in future to contribute to mining sector and maintain ecology and sustainability of growth.
Dr Y.G.Kale, Chief Controller of Mines (MDR) said the processes are streamlined to make the services more accessible, responsive and citizen centric. IBM was working to act as administrator for mineral commodity exchange on lines of London Metal Exchange,he said adding the Government has brought an amendment to MMDR Act to this effect. Shri P.K. Bhattacharjee, Controller of Mines (P & C)in his opening address welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the contributions and strides made by IBM in various technical domains.
IBM’s flagship title, “Indian Minerals Yearbook-2023” (IMYB-2023) and Hindi Magazine, Khan Bharatiwere also released on the occasion. The Cleaning Staff and the Security staff were honoured during the event. Smt.BhumikaKaramchandani, Law Officer, hosted the function.
ShriParagTadlimbekar, SgMG and Technical Secretary, IBM gave vote of thanks.
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