Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi today said the government will come out with more industry-friendly reforms in the mining sector very shortly.<br />'' <br />''Speaking at a webinar, Mr Joshi invited investors, explorers and miners to come and explore the huge opportunities that the Indian mining sector offers.<br />'' <br />''The minister said that other issues like illegal mining, environment clearance and forest clearance will be deliberated and suitable action as per the law will be taken in the due course of time.<br />'' <br />''Mr Joshi also informed that 500 mining blocks would be offered through the open and transparent auction process.<br />'' <br />''Saying mining as a sector creates wealth and employment and strengthens the nation from within, Mr Joshi highlighted that the sector contributed 4.1 lakh crore rupees to India's GDP in the last financial year by employing about 1.1 crore people.<br />'' <br />''The minister said, yearly, 5.5 crore people depend upon the sector for their livelihood.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Joshi said in coming times the reform will boost the production by introducing competition, transparency and private sector participation.</span><br />