Dimapur, Aug 7 (NPN): Advisor for Geology & Mining and DUDA, W. Chingang Konyak, emphasised the significance of Article 371A, stating that mineral development in the state must be rooted in constitutional safeguards and carried out with confidence and participation of local communities. He was speaking at the 46th State Geological Programming Board (SGPB) meeting of the Department of Geology & Mining (DGM) held at Hotel Saramati on Friday. He asserted that mineral wealth must contribute to employment generation, infrastructure development, industrial growth and economic self reliance, while ensuring sustainability. He stressed that geological investigations should lead to tangible outcomes such as identified mineral blocks, investment opportunities, value addition and employment. Chingang reaffirmed government’s commitment to a transparent and sustainable mineral sector, while cautioning against unscientific and unsafe mining practices that cause environmental degradation and revenue loss.