Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the significance of the mining sector as a key driver of economic progress in India. Speaking at the National Mineral Chintan Shivir in Gujarat, he praised the sector’s potential in realizing India’s development goals by 2047. The event, organized by the Union Ministry of Mines, gathered mining ministers, officials, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on reforms, technology, sustainability, and future policy directions.
Minister Reddy commended Gujarat’s development model for setting high standards that other states are now striving to emulate in terms of investment and growth. He highlighted a substantial 190% increase in mineral exploration since 2014, with notable growth in iron, limestone, lead, and zinc. The implementation of transparent auctions and the District Mineral Foundation mechanism has significantly enhanced mining revenue for states.
The government’s focus on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and tungsten, coupled with efforts in refining, recycling, and reprocessing capabilities, was underscored by Minister Reddy. Plans are underway to extract critical minerals from e-waste by 2030. The Chintan Shivir aims to formulate a strategic five-year plan for the sector, emphasizing faster auctions, enhanced operations, technology adoption, digitalization, research and development, skill enhancement, and positioning India as a global processing hub.
