Kishan Reddy Calls for Rapid Acceleration of India's Mineral Exploration Initiatives

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy has instructed mining and exploration agencies operating under the Ministry of Mines to step up the pace of mineral exploration efforts and boost operational performance. The directive came during a series of high-level review sessions held in Bengaluru on Monday.

At the meetings, Reddy urged officials to adopt an intensive, mission-oriented strategy aimed at securing India's mineral resources and supporting the nation's long-term strategic and industrial ambitions. Representatives 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 participated in the discussions.

The Minister underscored that institutional frameworks across the sector must be grounded in technological innovation, openness, and operational excellence. "India is moving decisively towards becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Reddy stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of mining and exploration to the nation's industrial future and mineral independence.

The Bengaluru sessions concentrated on expediting exploration activities, advancing environmentally responsible mining practices, and strengthening scientific and technological infrastructure in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.

Officials briefed the Minister on exploration efforts targeting critical and strategic minerals—rare earth elements, lithium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium, and platinum group metals. Reddy particularly stressed the transformative role that artificial intelligence, remote sensing technologies, and advanced geoscience analysis could play in modernizing India's mineral exploration capabilities.

The GSI shared findings from exploration work in Karnataka and Goa, noting the discovery of zones rich in gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and platinum group elements. The agency unveiled a five-year strategic plan to conduct thematic mapping and deploy AI and machine learning-based targeting across approximately 48,000 square kilometres.

The Indian Bureau of Mines presented updates on sustainable mining methodologies, scientifically designed mine closure frameworks, and efforts to recover critical minerals as part of the National Critical Mineral Mission. NIRM outlined its contributions to mining safety protocols, tunnel design engineering, seismic monitoring systems, and hydropower facility development.

The RSAS division reported that over 6.5 lakh square kilometres had been surveyed under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme, which currently supports more than 200 exploration projects through aero-geophysical data analysis.

During his visit to Bengaluru, Reddy also toured the Art of Living Foundation International Centre, where he met with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Minister emphasized the significance of integrating scientific advancement with India's cultural and spiritual heritage as the nation progresses toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.