West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the commencement of the mining of basalt on 326 acres of land at the proposed Deucha-Pachami coal mine in Birbhum district, during the eighth Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS). Mining will commence on 326 acres at Asia’s second-largest coal mine, with an estimated yield of 1,240 million tonne of coal and 675 million tonne of basalt.

All necessary environmental and operational clearances have been obtained, and a national tender-selected agency has set up the mining infrastructure.

Additionally, the CM announced the creation of a state-level Investment Synergy Committee to streamline investment processes. This committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will meet fortnightly to address challenges related to land, fire safety, finance, MSMEs, housing, agriculture, and industry. Its objective is to ensure timely support and approvals, promoting a business-friendly atmosphere in the state. 

Investment proposals worth Rs 90.51 lakh crore were received during the previous seven business summits, reiterating Bengal’s vast investment potential despite political criticism. The new initiatives are expected to boost industrial growth and attract further investment to West Bengal, positioning the state as a key economic hub.