Shillong, Sep 25 (Reporter) Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday underscored the importance of scientific mining of minerals to minimise the impact on ecology and environment. Speaking at a workshop on ‘Enhancing Mineral Exploration through National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)’, organised by the state Directorate of Mineral Resources, Sangma said that with the progress of technology in contemporary times, mineral exploration has become more accurate, easy and scientific. “Technology partners like North Eastern Space Applications Centre have played important role not only in mining activities but also in other sectors like water resources and forest resources mapping,” he pointed out. Stating that the land holding system in the state is unique and embedded in culture and tradition, the Chief Minister said, “These aspects are also something which we do not wish to ignore and it is also important to respect these cultures, traditions.” He assured that the government would work with the people to build up the right consensus and atmosphere ensuring everybody is on board. Sangma said that transition of mining from the traditional method, which the miners of the state had been engaged in for centuries to scientific mining had to be justified. “The ban on the non-scientific method of mining has had a huge economic impact on families that depend on mining and on the economy of the state,” he said and emphasized that the transition has to take place within a given timeframe. The Chief Minister released the State Geological and Mineral Map of Meghalaya on 1:1 million scale and launched the Meghalaya Minerals Database, whichwill guide in identifying mineral reserves and in addressing mining-related issues...////...