Guwahati, June 27 -- Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy praised the Assam government for its firm steps against illegal mining and called on all northeastern states to harness their mineral wealth responsibly and sustainably.

The minister made these remarks during the 2nd North-East Mining Ministers' Conclave, which began on Friday in Assam's Guwahati.

Reddy reaffirmed the Central government's commitment to developing the mining sector across the northeastern region. Addressing the media, he said, "We want to support the northeastern states in unlocking their mineral potential through scientific, transparent, and environmentally conscious mining practices."

He referred to the eight northeastern states as the "Ashtalakshm...