G. Kishan Reddy Directs Agencies to Fast-Track Projects for Mineral Security

Addressing the officials, Shri G. Kishan Reddy stressed the need for greater accountability, transparency, and faster execution of projects linked to India’s strategic mineral ecosystem.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy has directed all mining and exploration agencies under the Ministry of Mines to accelerate pending projects and adopt a mission-mode approach to strengthen India's mineral security, technological capabilities, and long-term economic growth objectives.

The directives were issued during a series of high-level review meetings held in Bengaluru with senior officials from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), and the Remote Sensing & Aerial Survey (RSAS) division. The discussions focused on improving exploration efficiency, strengthening scientific infrastructure, expanding technological adoption, and ensuring sustainable development in India's mining sector.

Addressing the officials, Shri G. Kishan Reddy stressed the need for greater accountability, transparency, and faster execution of projects linked to India's strategic mineral ecosystem. He stated that mining institutions must function with clearly defined timelines and measurable outcomes while embracing technology-driven governance systems to improve productivity and decision-making.

The Minister underlined the growing strategic importance of critical minerals such as Lithium, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Nickel, Cobalt, Tungsten, Vanadium, and Platinum Group Elements (PGE), which are essential for sectors including renewable energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, advanced electronics, aerospace, and defence manufacturing. He noted that securing reliable access to these minerals is crucial for India's ambitions of becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy.

"Under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is moving decisively towards becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. The mining and exploration sector has a critical role in securing India's future growth, industrial expansion and strategic mineral security," Shri Kishan Reddy stated during the review meetings.

The Minister also emphasised the need to integrate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), remote sensing, integrated geoscience analytics, and modern exploration methodologies into India's mineral exploration ecosystem. According to him, technology-driven exploration systems are critical for improving resource identification, exploration accuracy, and operational efficiency in the sector.

The Geological Survey of India presented major exploration achievements across Karnataka and Goa, highlighting the identification of mineral-bearing zones rich in gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group elements. GSI officials also discussed the positive impact of reforms introduced under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, which have contributed to resource augmentation and improved exploration activities across the country.

GSI additionally unveiled its ambitious five-year roadmap involving large-scale thematic mapping, AI and machine learning-enabled mineral targeting systems, and advanced exploration projects covering nearly 48,000 square kilometres. The roadmap is aimed at accelerating the discovery of critical mineral resources and improving scientific geological assessments across India.

The National Institute of Rock Mechanics highlighted its role in supporting strategically important infrastructure and mining safety projects, including hydropower projects, metro rail systems, tunnel engineering, seismic monitoring, and controlled blasting near sensitive infrastructure zones. The institute also showcased its expertise in geotechnical solutions, engineering geology, and micro-seismic monitoring technologies that contribute to national infrastructure development.

The Indian Bureau of Mines reviewed progress in sustainable mining practices, scientific mine closure mechanisms, environmental safeguards, mineral beneficiation, and operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. IBM officials also presented research related to critical mineral enrichment and recovery from existing mining ecosystems under the National Critical Mineral Mission.

Meanwhile, the RSAS division highlighted progress under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP), which uses airborne geophysical surveys, hyperspectral remote sensing, and AI/ML-driven mineral prospectivity mapping to strengthen exploration capabilities. Officials informed the Minister that more than 6.5 lakh square kilometres have already been covered under the programme, leading to the generation of over 200 exploration projects using aerogeophysical datasets.

The review meetings reflected the government's increasing focus on reducing dependence on imported critical minerals while strengthening domestic exploration and resource security. India's push towards clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure has further increased the strategic importance of securing critical mineral supplies.

Experts believe that strengthening the exploration ecosystem through advanced technologies and coordinated institutional efforts will play a key role in achieving the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The emphasis on sustainable mining practices and scientific resource management is also expected to improve environmental safeguards and long-term resource utilisation.

As part of his Bengaluru visit, Shri G. Kishan Reddy also visited the Art of Living Foundation International Centre, where he interacted with members of the organisation and visited the Gurukul and Exhibition Centre. The Minister appreciated the institution's contribution towards value-based education, spiritual awareness, and social transformation rooted in India's cultural traditions.

The Minister also met spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and sought his blessings. Reflecting on the visit, Shri Kishan Reddy stated that India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 must combine economic growth and technological advancement with spiritual consciousness, cultural values, and collective social responsibility.

The visit concluded with renewed emphasis on building a future-ready mining and exploration ecosystem driven by scientific innovation, sustainable development, institutional excellence, and strategic national priorities.