Kishtwar, Aug 18: After discovering Lithium Mines in Reasi district of Jammu division, the Government of India (GoI) is all set to auction Kishtwar’s Sapphire mines in a “scientific way”.

This was stated by Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today at Kishtwar. The LG also paid obeisance at holy Shri Chandi Mata Machail shrine located near Sapphire mines.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for extending the support for survey, gemmological studies of Sapphire mines.

“In next one year, we will be in a position to auction the Sapphire mines in a scientific way that will give a boost to the local economy and it will also become one of major contributors of growth of Jammu Kashmir,” LG Sinha said.

Earlier, the Union Government said that 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves had been found for the first time in the country in Jammu and Kashmir. Lithium is a non-ferrous metal and is one of the key components in EV batteries, among other industries.

“Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, carried out a G3 stage mineral exploration project during Field Season 2020-21 and 2021-22 in Salal-Haimna areas of Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir and estimated an inferred resource (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore and the report has been handed over to the Government of Union Territory of J&K,” the Ministry of Mines earlier said. Moreover as per GOI sources auction of lithium reserves found in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi will be started by December.

During visit, the Lt Governor took appraisal of the facilities extended to Machail Mata pilgrims and also interacted with the deputations of local residents. At Gulabgarh Paddar, the Lt Governor addressed the representatives of PRIs and the citizens. Speaking on the measures taken to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities for Holy Machail Mata pilgrimage, the Lt Governor reiterated the resolve of the UT Administration to ensure smooth and seamless pilgrimage for the devotees.

Construction of road, solar power and tented accommodation for pilgrims has spurred the influx and this year’s figure has already crossed more than one lakh pilgrims, he added.

Lt Governor also visited the Buddhist Gompa at Paddar, where he sought blessings of the Lord Buddha and interacted with the members of the Buddhist community. kno