DIMAPUR — The Department of Geology and Mining collected revenue of INR 990.31 lakh from the coal sector during 2022–23. During the period, it granted 12 coal prospecting licenses, four coal mining leases, and coal royalty collection-cum-coal depot licenses to 11 firms, according to the appraisal work on mineral exploration conducted by the Directorate of Geology and Mining. The department carried out G3 exploration of Shatuza Limestone Block I (Phase 1) in Phek district, with exploratory drilling beginning in October 2022. Four boreholes were drilled, totalling 221.35 metres, at the block, which is part of the Naga Hills Ophiolites and is located 2 km south of Shatuza village. As per the report on coal exploration in the Melak-Tzurang Valley Coalfield, Mokokchung district, the G2 exploration of the Mongchen-Dibuia Coal Block (MDCB) achieved significant progress from July 2022 to July 2023. Also read: Alternative energy rise to impact value of Nagaland’s oil reserves, says Geology and Mining Director During this period, geological mapping covered an area of 1: 51 square kilometres at a 1:5000 scale, with 1,082.80 meters drilled across five boreholes. Three coal zones were encountered, and 29 samples were sent for chemical analysis at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat. In the Tuli-Yimchenkimong...