Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday, 5 November 2026, called on coal-bearing states to urgently accelerate coal gasification projects and ramp up domestic exploration of critical minerals, warning that India's strategic and economic resilience depends on reducing import dependence. The minister was addressing the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers, a two-day gathering organised by the Union Ministry of Mines in Goa on 5 and 6 November, bringing together mining ministers and senior officials from states and the Centre.

The Case for Coal Gasification

Minister Reddy argued that coal gasification represents the most viable pathway to unlocking the economic value of India's vast coal reserves. He said the technology would drive industrial diversification, generate employment, and anchor the country's long-term energy security. Notably, domestic coal production has already surpassed one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year — a milestone flagged by Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt as evidence of India's accelerating push toward energy self-reliance.

Reddy urged coal-bearing states to actively facilitate investments, support infrastructure development, and expedite the operationalisation of already-auctioned mines. He also called for the accelerated auction of new blocks and an expansion of exploration activities. This comes amid a broader national push to maximise domestic energy resources and limit costly imports of both coal and refined minerals.

Critical Minerals: A Geopolitical Imperative

The minister highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals in an increasingly contested global geopolitical landscape. He stressed the need to build a full domestic ecosystem — spanning exploration, mining, processing, refining, and recycling — rather than relying on imports that expose India to supply-chain shocks.

Critics and policy analysts have long pointed out that India's dependence on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements poses a structural vulnerability, particularly as the country scales up its electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Reddy's remarks signal that the Centre is now explicitly framing mineral security as a matter of national resilience, not just industrial policy.

Technology as the Key Enabler

Reddy called upon state governments to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitalisation, and advanced technological solutions across exploration, mine operations, and mineral recovery. He argued that technology-driven practices would improve productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability across both the mining and coal sectors — areas where India has historically lagged global benchmarks.

Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt echoed this view, stressing the importance of efficient logistics and sustainable mining practices alongside technology adoption. He called for stronger Centre-State collaboration to convert India's mineral endowment into economic output at scale.

What the Conference Is Designed to Achieve

The 4th Mining Ministers' Conference serves as a formal platform for the Centre to align state-level policy and execution with the national mining reform agenda. The minister acknowledged that mining sector reforms have already strengthened state economies, attracted investments, and generated employment in mining-affected regions. He called for a shared roadmap between the Centre and states to take India's mining and coal sectors to 'new heights.'

The outcomes of this conference — including any new state commitments on mine auctions, gasification projects, or critical mineral exploration targets — will be closely watched by industry bodies and energy sector investors.