In order to encourage scientific approach to solve the emerging mining challenges, union mines ministry introduced a set of guidelines for the sector.

The guidelines seeks to promote research in the sector including development of new alloys and exploration of rare minerals. Further, it aims to widen the participation of stakeholders, introduce the concept of cost-sharing and make the research in Mines more productive, with an emphasis on outputs and outcomes.

Some other intention of the new guidelines is to develop new or improve existing technology to improve the diversity of the local economy, utilisation of local resources and upgrade the skills of miners in the country.

The guidelines is also intended to promote research in prospecting or exploration of strategic rare and rare earth minerals.The guideline also covers mining on deep sea to locate and exploit new mineral resources.

Research in metallurgy and mineral beneficiation techniques to utilise lower grade and finer size ores besides infrastructure development" would be among the the focus areas, the ministry said in its guidelines.

India produces as many as 87 minerals including 4 fuel, 10 metallic, 47 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 23 minor minerals (including building and other materials).