New Delhi, February 12: Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday launched the second tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks, reinforcing the Centre’s push to accelerate domestic mineral exploration and reduce import dependence in critical minerals.
Strengthening India’s Exploration Ecosystem
Addressing stakeholders at the launch event, Shri Reddy stressed the importance of creating a structured, transparent and technology-driven exploration framework. He noted that enhancing domestic mineral exploration is essential to reduce India’s reliance on imports and ensure long-term resource security.
The Minister emphasized that the government is encouraging greater participation from the private sector alongside public agencies to unlock India’s untapped mineral potential. He described the reforms underway in the mining sector as part of a broader national transformation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
“These are not mere reforms, but a reform express,” Shri Reddy remarked, highlighting the pace and scope of policy changes across sectors, including mining.
Focus on Critical and Deep-Seated Minerals
Shri Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, said that the second tranche builds on the encouraging response received under Tranche-I. The new tranche comprises 11 blocks of critical and deep-seated minerals spread across eight States.
He explained that the Exploration Licence regime introduced through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, along with the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2023, has strengthened transparency and improved ease of doing business in the sector.
The reforms are designed to expand participation by both public and private players, ensuring a competitive and efficient mineral exploration ecosystem.
Launch of GSI’s Next-Generation Portal
During the event, the Union Minister also unveiled the Geological Survey of India’s Next-Generation (NG) Portal, a cloud-enabled digital platform aimed at modernizing mineral data management.
The portal integrates data acquisition, analysis, visualization, and dissemination, and is equipped with AI and machine learning-based tools. It is interoperable with the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR), enabling data-driven decision-making and improved transparency.
Officials noted that the new digital infrastructure will significantly enhance efficiency in exploration activities and provide stakeholders with easier access to reliable geological data.
Transparent Auction and Reimbursement Framework
The launch event also included detailed presentations by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), SBICAPS, MSTC, and the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). These covered the exploration licence regime, auction process, tender documentation, and the e-auction mechanism hosted on the MSTC portal.
Officials highlighted the Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for holders of Exploration Licences, aimed at incentivizing investment in high-risk exploration activities.
The structured auction framework, combined with digital platforms and financial incentives, is expected to boost investor confidence and accelerate exploration across critical mineral blocks.
Driving Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision
Highlighting the strategic importance of critical minerals for emerging technologies and clean energy transitions, Shri Reddy said that a robust exploration regime will play a decisive role in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
By strengthening domestic exploration capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies, the government aims to enhance self-reliance in the mineral sector and build a resilient supply chain for the future.
The launch of the second tranche of Exploration Licence blocks marks another milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its mining framework and position the country as a global player in critical mineral development.
