GUNTUR: Contrary to popular belief the mining of bauxite is beneficial for the environment as the trees will start growing on the land from where it is mined, said Andhra Pradesh Mines and Geology Department Director V.D. Raja Gopal.

At the inaugural of two-day national seminar on `Environmental Challenges and Strategies' conducted by the Department of Environmental Sciences on the Acharya Nagarjuna University campus here on Tuesday, he said that bauxite deposits hindered the growth of normal vegetation.

"Only some small bush plants and shrubs can grow but when the mineral is removed, land becomes fit for the growth of all types of trees," Mr. Raja Gopal said. The bauxite deposits were only to the extent of 40 feet and after that, the miners would have to look elsewhere for the mineral, he observed.

Huge potential

Bauxite was an industry with a potential of Rs. 40,000 crores of business. India was exporting limonite found in shores of Russia, which also contained Titanium, an element used in the manufacturing of aircraft. India needs to develop a technology where in it could manufacture Titanium on its own.

Referring to the hue and cry over setting up of a mining industry, he said "We should understand that the mining activity is carried out only for 200 metres' stretch from the shore and after that, the mining is carried out in a different place. There is a widespread concern about sea turtles that come to the shore to lay eggs.

Instead of becoming prey to the stray animals, the eggs could be protected as the mining companies would set up necessary fencing on the shore," Mr. Raja Gopal observed.

Gold and diamond mining in India was slowly picking up due to the interest shown by Australia to employ latest technologies. In the coming four or five years, India was likely to be among the largest gold and diamond producing countries in the world. "A 50,000 square km area was identified as potential gold and diamond mining field," he said.

There was a great need for uranium mining in India as our resources were grossly underutilized. "Only 3 per cent of our energy is derived from nuclear power while it was 70 per cent in the developed countries like France," he observed.

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