In a strategic push towards mineral self-sufficiency, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy initiated the second round of exploration license auctions for mineral blocks. Held in New Delhi, the event underscores the government’s focus on invigorating domestic exploration to meet growing demands.
Reddy stressed the necessity of intensifying exploration activities with active involvement from private and public sectors alike. This approach is designed to cut down India’s import bills for essential minerals, vital for industries like electronics, renewables, and defense.
The minister reaffirmed the Centre’s dedication to a tech-savvy, transparent exploration regime that uncovers India’s dormant mineral resources. Critical minerals hold immense strategic value, and a strong exploration backbone is key to realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Reforms in the mining domain are not incremental but game-changing, Reddy noted, driving transparency, operational efficiency, and attracting substantial investments.
Complementing the auction launch, the GSI’s advanced NG Portal went live. This sophisticated, cloud-based system unifies geological data processes with AI and ML capabilities, linking seamlessly to NGDR. Experts anticipate it will revolutionize how exploration decisions are made, enhancing accuracy and speed.
Featuring 11 high-potential blocks across eight states, this phase follows the success of the inaugural round. Secretary Piyush Goyal praised the regulatory updates—the Mineral Auction Amendment Rules and MMDR Act amendments—for streamlining processes and opening doors for diverse investors. With key officials present, the event marked a new chapter in India’s mining renaissance.