DH News Service, Bangalore: Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has said the government is exploring the possibility of entering into agreement with private mining companies to mine gold, iron and manganese in the State. He said that through Hatti Gold Mines such agreements could be drawn with foreign firms as the State lacks equipment and technology to exploit minerals. Speaking at a function in which Honnali MLA M P Renukacharya assumed office as 40th chairman of Hatti Gold Mines, on Thursday, the CM said there was an urgent need to draw plans for improving the mining sector. He felt that the Hatti company, which is earning profit since the last three years, can extract more gold. Sri Shivakumar Swamji of Siddaganga Mutt was present.