The Department of Geology and Mining J&K was established in the year 1960 to explore the mineral wealth of the State, to conduct Geo-technical and Groundwater exploration studies besides, implementation of the MM (D & R) Act 1957 (Central Act) and the rules made thereunder.

          The Department by way of Geological Investigations have established sizeable number of reserves of industrial and fuel minerals besides, Dimension and Decorative Stones. This has lead to the establishment of various mineral based industries in the State providing direct and indirect employment to the locals with improvement in the socio- economic development. The State exchequer is also being benefited in the form of royalty on extraction of these minerals. The department is also engaged in Geo-technical studies like that of landslide and other engineering geology problems as and when referred. Groundwater exploration studies are also being carried out by this department.

          In recent years its working domain expanded in close coordination with Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the premier agencies of Govt. of India engaged in mineral exploration, administration/implementation of MM (D & R) Act 1957 (Central Act),inventory on minerals exploration data and groundwater assessment survey in State.