What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India?<br/>1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts<br/>2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations<br/>3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts — Incorrect. District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) are statutory trusts under the MMDR Act meant for the welfare of mining-affected people and areas, not for promoting exploration activities.

2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations — Correct. This is the core purpose of DMFs: to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations.

3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration — Incorrect. The power to grant mineral concessions/licenses comes from the MMDR Act and related rules; DMFs have no role in authorizing State Governments for this.

Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.