The government today said the mines and minerals sector is a major employer in rural areas and its role as an essential service has been acknowledged during the coronavirus pandemic.<br />'' <br />''Speaking at a function Mines Secretary Anil Kumar Jain said, just like agriculture, mines and mineral sector gives employment to the people in rural areas. <br />'' <br />''Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme, the Centre in May announced enhancing private investments in the mineral sector and bringing in other reform measures.<br />'' <br />''AIR correspondent reports, mining, being a major economic activity, generates employment in neighbourhood and tribal areas.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The mining sector has the potential to create total employment for about five crore jobs by 2025.</span><br />