G. Kishan Reddy Highlights Transformational Changes in India's Mining and Minerals Sector

During the seminar, Shri Reddy engaged in a constructive dialogue with CEOs from both private and public sector mining and exploration companies.

Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy addressed a national seminar on challenges and opportunities in the mines and minerals sector organized by the Mining, Geological, Metallurgical Institute of India, in New Delhi today. The seminar, attended by key dignitaries including Shri V. Kantha Rao, Secretary Ministry of Mines, and senior officers from the Ministries of Coal and Mines, provided a platform for discussing the sector's current challenges and future prospects.

During the seminar, Shri Reddy engaged in a constructive dialogue with CEOs from both private and public sector mining and exploration companies. Industry representatives outlined their challenges and offered valuable recommendations for policy improvements.

Shri Reddy assured that the Ministry would thoroughly review and act on the issues and suggestions presented. He emphasized the importance of ongoing feedback for effective governance and highlighted the dynamic nature of the industry.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Reddy emphasized that India's abundant natural resources are crucial to the nation's progress towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047 and achieving self-reliance. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for driving significant changes in the coal and minerals sector, including the introduction of a commercial auction regime and increased private sector partnerships.

The Minister highlighted the emergence of critical minerals as vital to the modern economy and discussed the launch of the National Critical Minerals Mission to capitalize on global opportunities. He also stressed the importance of private sector involvement and outlined several government measures to enhance ease of doing business and mitigate risks, such as reimbursing 50% of exploration expenditure for Exploration License and Composite license holders.

Shri Reddy provided details on the Government's initiatives to reduce import reliance on coal and increase domestic production capacity, including the "Mission Coking Coal" aimed at producing 140 million tonnes of coking coal by 2030. He discussed efforts to promote sustainable mining practices through the National Mineral Policy 2019, and the use of advanced technologies.

On the minerals front, Shri Reddy acknowledged the capital-intensive nature of exploration and called for increased research and collaboration. He also emphasized the push towards underground mining with a target of 100 million tonnes by 2029-30 and the advancement of clean fuel technologies such as coal gasification and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

In closing, Shri Reddy urged industry representatives to collaborate with the Government in driving technological innovation and ensuring a sustainable mining sector. He expressed confidence that the seminar would lead to significant discussions and solutions for the future of India's mining and minerals sector, contributing to the country's goal of becoming one of the world's largest economies.

The seminar successfully facilitated a robust exchange of ideas and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to industrial growth and sustainable development in the mining sector.