Mining activity in the next few is expected to contribute Rs 2,000 crore to the state treasury each year besides creating 30 lakh jobs, the Chief Minister told mediapersons after a committee headed by Public Works Minister Nitin Gadkari submitted its recommendations on the promotion of mining to the State Government.

The committee has recommended that the mining sector be opened to the private sector after introducing the latest technology for prospecting -- conducting tests on minerals at a particular geographical location.

The Maharashtra State Mining Corporation must help private firms interested in mining prepare project reports and get the necessary approvals from government departments, the committee's report suggests.

It has also recommended the establishment of a mining development fund which will receive 10 per cent of the State's earnings frommining activities.

Half this amount can be used to provide infrastructural facilities in the mining area, the report adds.

It also recommends that mining be given industry status apart from special concessions for land acquisition, other incentives for group schemes, financial assistance, rebate in stamp duty, provision of technical know-how and assistance in forestation near mines.

Permission for setting up mines will be given at the district collector level and applications for secondary mines will be decided within 60 days, the committee has proposed.

Applications for projects in major mineral sectors must be decided within 16 to 20 weeks, the report says.

There are currently 19 coal mines, eight thermal power generation plants, six cement manufacturing plants, five iron mines, three ferro-manganese plants and two aluminium plants operating in the state. The government expects to set up 30 coal mines, one thermal power generation plant, two cement manufacturing plants and one iron minesoon.

Rane said Maharashtra ranks sixth in the list of leading mining states in the country.

``We are aiming to reach the top position in mining in the next five years,'' he added.