The Centre has asked the Ministry of Mines to prepare a Techno-Economic Feasibility Report in consultation with the Assam Government to exploit the huge reserves of silica sand reserves at Jiajuri in Nagaon district. Following encouraging exploration reports it has been decided that a glass industry would be set up in the region using the silica sand either by Government of Assam or in joint venture with private participation, sources said. The decision was taken at a review meeting between Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Mines, Bijoy Krishan Handique and State Mines Minister, Khor Singh Ingti, besides top officials of the Ministry, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Department of Geology, here on Monday afternoon. Official sources said that glass sand deposit found at Jiyajuri has a good potential, as the percentage of silica was over 98 per cent after beneficiation. This is used in the glass industry. Assam has an estimated reserve of about 34 million tonne of silica sand. The exploration was undertaken by MECL. Handique remarked that utilisation of silica sand has the potential to enhance the economy of the State. He further said geological and mining activities in the North-East may be given due attention. At the discussion on Monday, the Minister reviewed the field season programme of GSI that included thematic mapping and mineral investigations. Director (Technical) of MECL told the meeting they were keen to further study the Jiajuri glass sand deposit both depth-wise and area-wise.