Bengaluru: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy directed mining and exploration agencies to fast-track pending mining projects during a series of high-level review meetings held in Bengaluru on Sunday.
The minister reviewed the performance of the Geological Survey of India, National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Indian Bureau of Mines and the Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey division.
Kishan Reddy instructed officials to adopt a mission-mode approach and improve accountability, transparency and efficiency in institutional functioning. He said the mining sector played a critical role in securing India’s long-term industrial and strategic growth objectives.
The meetings focused on accelerating mineral exploration, improving scientific capabilities and strengthening sustainable mining systems in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Officials presented updates on exploration activities involving critical and strategic minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, tungsten, vanadium, platinum group elements and rare earth elements.
Kishan Reddy said advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing and integrated geoscience analytics would shape the future of mineral exploration in India.
Mining projects review focuses on critical minerals
During the review meetings, the Geological Survey of India highlighted exploration outcomes across Karnataka and Goa. Officials reported identification of gold, copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-bearing zones in several regions.
The agency also presented a five-year roadmap covering thematic mapping, AI and machine learning-enabled mineral targeting and advanced exploration activities across nearly 48,000 square kilometres.
The Indian Bureau of Mines reviewed progress related to scientific mine closure, sustainable mining practices and operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. Officials also discussed mineral recovery potential under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Rock Mechanics highlighted its work in metro rail projects, tunnel engineering, seismic monitoring and mining safety systems.
The Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey division informed the minister that more than 6.5 lakh square kilometres had already been covered under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme.
Later, Kishan Reddy visited the Art of Living Foundation International Centre in Bengaluru and interacted with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He said India’s development journey should combine technological progress with spiritual values and cultural heritage.
