Mineral exploitation (mining) is second only to agriculture as the world's oldest and most important industry. Mineral and mineral-based products are an integral part of the economic and social fabric of modern society.

Minerals are the basic inputs for the production of metals, ceramics, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronic items and a wide variety of other vital industries and products. Minerals also constitute fuel for us. Some such minerals are coal, lignite, oil and natural gas. They are equally essential for the sustenance of life. Mining being a basic industry, its progress is very important for an overall industrial growth of the nation. The booming population stretches the natural resources beyond the capability. The resultant deterioration of the environment and fast depletion of the natural resources threatens the sustainability of economic development. One of the most complex challenges facing our generation is to search and evolve a workable synthesis between economic and environmental realities.