Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Monday directed mining and exploration agencies under the Ministry of Mines to accelerate mineral exploration projects and improve execution efficiency.
Chairing high-level review meetings in Bengaluru, the Minister asked officials to adopt a mission-mode approach to strengthen India’s mineral security and strategic growth objectives.
Senior officials from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey (RSAS) division attended the meetings.
Kishan Reddy stressed that technology, transparency and efficiency should form the foundation of all institutional processes.
“India is moving decisively towards becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Kishan Reddy said.
He stated that the mining and exploration sector played a crucial role in securing India’s future industrial growth and strategic mineral security.
Mineral exploration projects reviewed in Bengaluru
The meetings focused on accelerating mineral exploration projects, promoting sustainable mining and improving scientific and technological capabilities under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Officials presented updates on exploration activities involving critical and strategic minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium and platinum group elements.
Kishan Reddy also highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence, remote sensing and integrated geoscience analytics in modernising India’s mineral exploration ecosystem.
During the review, GSI presented exploration findings from Karnataka and Goa.
Officials said the agency identified zones containing gold, copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum group elements.
GSI also presented a five-year roadmap covering nearly 48,000 square kilometres through thematic mapping and AI and ML-based mineral targeting.
Mineral exploration projects linked to Viksit Bharat vision
The Indian Bureau of Mines reviewed sustainable mining practices, scientific mine closure systems and critical mineral recovery initiatives under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Meanwhile, NIRM highlighted its work in mining safety, tunnel engineering, seismic monitoring and hydropower infrastructure projects.
The RSAS division informed the Minister that more than 6.5 lakh square kilometres had already been covered under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme.
Officials said the programme supported over 200 exploration projects using aero-geophysical datasets.
During his Bengaluru visit, Kishan Reddy also visited the Art of Living Foundation International Centre and interacted with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
He stressed the need to combine scientific progress with cultural and spiritual values in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.