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.

The first session of the meeting focused on ‘Beyond Mining: Mine Closure and Reuse,’ while the second session discussed ‘Mineral Exploration in India.’ Agrawal presented the issues and potential of Chhattisgarh’s mineral sector, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and responsible resource management.

Agrawal advocated for the safety and reuse of closed mines. He proposed filling abandoned mines with fly ash and overburden material to prevent accidents, ensuring the safe disposal of waste. He suggested that fly ash from NTPC plants be used to fill closed mines of SECL, with payments on a per-ton basis. He cited a recent accident in Dhamda, Durg district, as an example of the dangers posed by neglected mines. He proposed that land filled with fly ash be leased to farmers for agricultural use.

He also expressed concern over coal theft and the need for data monitoring systems in every mine, along with the operation of all weighbridges under an authorized body.

Agrawal suggested that tree planting be made mandatory in mining areas to offset forest damage. He proposed that every mine area should have basic facilities like schools, ITIs, coaching centers, hospitals, and water treatment plants. He also recommended that CSR funds be extended to Coal Advisory Committee members to enable their active participation in regional development.

During the second session, he stressed the need for serious efforts towards mineral exploration in Chhattisgarh. He mentioned the rich potential of the state, including the Paylikhand area of Gariaband district, known for its diamond deposits, and the presence of diamonds in Tumla village of Jashpur district. He highlighted the availability of natural diamonds, alexandrite, garnet, beryl, quartz, amethyst, and the strong possibility of lithium and other mineral reserves. He emphasized that the use of state resources should prioritize local youth employment, regional development, and national interests while maintaining a balance between development and environmental protection.

He demanded the establishment of a Mining Bureau in Chhattisgarh and the opening of regional offices of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) for the scientific and transparent exploitation of the state’s mineral potential. The meeting concluded with the decision to make closed mines safe and environmentally reusable, and a letter would be sent to the state government to take concrete steps in this direction.