Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Monday, 25 May directed all mining and exploration agencies under the Ministry to fast-track pending projects and adopt a mission-mode approach, as India moves to shore up its mineral security and meet the strategic targets of Viksit Bharat 2047. The directive came during a series of high-level review meetings held in Bengaluru with senior officials of four key institutions.

Key Directives from the Minister

Chairing the review sessions, Reddy told agency heads that speed, accountability, and visible outcomes are non-negotiable. 'All organisations must fast-track pending projects and ensure that technology, transparency, and efficiency become the foundation of every institutional process. The people of India and the Government of India expect speed, accountability and visible outcomes from every agency working in this sector,' he said.

The Minister stressed that the mining and exploration sector holds a pivotal role in securing India's industrial expansion and strategic mineral self-reliance, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a globally competitive, self-reliant economy.

Focus on Critical and Strategic Minerals

The reviews placed particular emphasis on accelerating exploration of critical and strategic minerals, including Rare Earth Elements (REE), lithium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium, and Platinum Group Elements (PGE) — materials central to clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Reddy underscored the role of emerging technologies in reshaping exploration: 'The future of mineral exploration lies in technology-driven systems, including AI, remote sensing, integrated geoscience analytics, and advanced exploration methodologies. Our institutions must lead this transformation to make India future-ready and resource-secure.'

What the Agencies Presented

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) reported major exploration outcomes across Karnataka and Goa, identifying zones bearing gold, copper, PGE, nickel, and cobalt. GSI also outlined a five-year roadmap featuring large-scale thematic mapping, AI/ML-enabled mineral targeting, and advanced-stage exploration covering nearly 48,000 sq. km. — advances made possible by reforms under the MMDR Amendment Act, 2015.

The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) showcased its work on nationally significant infrastructure projects — hydropower, metro rail, tunnel engineering, seismic monitoring, and controlled blasting near sensitive sites — alongside capabilities in rock mechanics and geotechnical solutions.

The Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) reviewed progress on sustainable mining practices, operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks, scientific mine closure, and critical mineral enrichment under the National Critical Mineral Mission.

The Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey (RSAS) division reported that more than 6.5 lakh sq. km. has already been covered under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP), generating over 200 exploration projects using aero-geophysical datasets, including hyperspectral remote sensing and AI/ML-driven mineral prospectivity mapping.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid intensifying global competition for critical minerals, with major economies racing to secure supply chains for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy infrastructure. India's push aligns with its stated goal of reducing import dependence on minerals currently sourced heavily from China and other suppliers.

With institutional roadmaps now on the table and a minister-level mandate for mission-mode execution, the pace at which pending exploration projects move to production will be the real measure of Monday's directive.