The Government today said that local participation in the mining industry is important so that local community does not perceive mining as a threat to their existence. Briefing the media after a function in New Delhi, Ministry of Mines secretary, Mr. S Vijay Kumar said that there is a need to minimise the adverse impact and maximise the benefits of mining to the local people. He added that local communities including panchayats should be made stakeholders in the mining projects. Mr. Kumar also told reporters that the iron-ore reserves in the country is understated due to limited exploration. He informed that the country has enough iron-ore to meet the future needs.