**Executive Summary**
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy chaired high-level review meetings on May 25, 2026, directing mining and exploration agencies to fast-track pending projects through a coordinated mission-mode approach. The directive focuses on strengthening India’s mineral security and strategic growth by integrating advanced technologies like AI and remote sensing into institutional processes. Key agencies, including GSI, IBM, and NIRM, are required to meet clearly defined timelines and measurable outcomes to align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Mission-Mode and Accountability**
* All mining and exploration agencies must fast-track pending projects to ensure speed, accountability, and visible outcomes.
* Institutions are directed to adopt a "mission-mode" approach with clearly defined timelines for project completion.
* Transparency, technology, and efficiency are mandated as the foundation for every institutional process.
**Technological Advancement**
* Emphasis on a technology-driven ecosystem utilizing AI, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, and integrated geoscience analytics.
* Requirement for agencies to lead a transformation toward "future-ready" and resource-secure methodologies.
* Implementation of AI/ML-enabled mineral targeting and advanced geospatial technologies.
**Critical Mineral Exploration**
* Prioritization of exploration for critical and strategic minerals, specifically Rare Earth Elements (REE), Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Tungsten, Vanadium, and Platinum Group Elements (PGE).
* Focus on resource augmentation and mineral targeting to support industrial expansion and national security.
**Agency-Specific Roadmaps and Achievements**
* **Geological Survey of India (GSI):** Outlined a five-year roadmap for large-scale thematic mapping and exploration projects covering 48,000 sq. km.
* **Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM):** Focused on the operationalization of auctioned mineral blocks and critical mineral recovery under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
* **National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM):** Providing geotechnical solutions and seismic monitoring for infrastructure projects like hydropower and metro rail.
* **Remote Sensing & Aerial Survey (RSAS):** Covered 6.5 lakh sq. km under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP).
**Impact Analysis**
**Mining and Exploration Agencies (GSI, NIRM, IBM, RSAS)**
**Impact**
These organizations face increased pressure to deliver results within strict timelines and must overhaul traditional processes to incorporate advanced digital tools.
**Action Required**
They must implement mission-mode workflows, adopt AI/ML technologies for mapping, and provide regular progress updates on pending projects.
**Industrial and Strategic Sectors**
**Impact**
Industries dependent on critical minerals (such as electronics and EV manufacturing) will benefit from enhanced mineral security and a more reliable domestic supply chain.
**Action Required**
Align long-term industrial planning with the projected resource augmentation and the National Critical Mineral Mission.
**Infrastructure Developers (Hydropower, Metro Rail, Tunnelling)**
**Impact**
Ongoing and future infrastructure projects will receive enhanced safety and technical support through NIRM’s rock mechanics and seismic monitoring capabilities.
**Action Required**
Coordinate with NIRM for controlled blasting and geotechnical solutions to ensure the safety of sensitive infrastructure.
Key Entities Referenced
MMDR Amendment Act, 2015: The primary legislation cited as the driver for mining reforms and significant augmentation of mineral resources.
National Critical Mineral Mission: A strategic initiative focused on critical mineral enrichment and recovery potential within the mining ecosystem.
National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP): A large-scale exploration program utilizing airborne geophysical surveys and AI/ML-driven mapping to identify mineral prospects.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The national vision document used to align mineral exploration and sustainable mining practices with long-term development goals.
G. Kishan Reddy: Union Minister for Coal & Mines who issued directives to fast-track pending projects and strengthen India's mineral security.
Ministry of Mines
G. Kishan Reddy Directs Agencies to Fast-Track
Pending Mining & Exploration Projects During
Bengaluru Review Meetings
The Hon’be Minister Chaired High-Level Review Meetings of
GSI, NIRM & IBM in Bengaluru, Seeks Blessings of Gurudev
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji
Posted On: 25 MAY 2026 3:09PM by PIB Delhi
Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Monday directed all mining and
exploration agencies under the Ministry to fast-track pending projects and adopt a mission-mode approach
to strengthen India’s mineral security and strategic growth objectives.
“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,” the
Minister said while chairing a series of high-level review meetings in Bengaluru with senior officials of
the Geological Survey of India (GSI), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Indian Bureau of
Mines (IBM) and the Remote Sensing & Aerial Survey (RSAS) division.
The meetings focused on accelerating mineral exploration, strengthening scientific and technological
capabilities, promoting sustainable mining practices and aligning institutional efforts with the national
vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.During the review, the Minister assessed ongoing projects, technological advancements and exploration
activities being undertaken across the country, particularly in the field of critical and strategic minerals
including Rare Earth Elements (REE), Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Tungsten, Vanadium and Platinum Group
Elements (PGE). The organisations presented detailed updates on resource augmentation, mineral
targeting, scientific surveys, mine sustainability, geospatial technologies and advanced exploration
systems being implemented to strengthen India’s mineral security and strategic growth objectives.
Addressing the officials, Shri G. Kishan Reddy stated:
“Under the leadership and vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India is moving
decisively towards becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economy. The mining and exploration
sector has a critical role in securing India’s future growth, industrial expansion and strategic mineral
security.”
He further directed all organisations to work in a coordinated mission-mode approach with clearly defined
timelines, measurable outcomes and greater accountability.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of advanced technologies, data integration and scientific
innovation in strengthening India’s exploration ecosystem.
“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,” he said.
The Geological Survey of India highlighted major exploration outcomes across Karnataka and Goa,
including the identification of gold, copper, PGE, nickel and cobalt-bearing zones, along with significant
augmentation of mineral resources following reforms introduced under the MMDR Amendment Act,
2015. GSI also outlined its five-year roadmap involving large-scale thematic mapping, AI/ML-enabled
mineral targeting and advanced-stage exploration projects covering nearly 48,000 sq. km.
The National Institute of Rock Mechanics showcased its contributions towards nationally significant
infrastructure and mining safety projects including hydropower, metro rail, tunnel engineering, seismic
monitoring and controlled blasting near sensitive infrastructure. The institute also presented its capabilities
in rock mechanics, engineering geology, micro seismic monitoring and geotechnical solutions supporting
strategic national development projects.The Indian Bureau of Mines reviewed progress in sustainable mining practices, operationalisation of
auctioned mineral blocks, scientific mine closure, mineral beneficiation and environmental safeguards.
IBM also presented findings related to critical mineral enrichment and recovery potential from existing
mining ecosystems under the National Critical Mineral Mission.
The RSAS division presented the progress achieved under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping
Programme (NAGMP), including airborne geophysical surveys, hyperspectral remote sensing and AI/ML-
driven mineral prospectively mapping. The review highlighted that more than 6.5 lakh sq. km. has already
been covered under the programme, generating over 200 exploration projects using aero-geophysical
datasets.
As part of the Bengaluru visit, Hon’ble Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy also visited the Art of Living
Foundation International Centre and interacted with members of the Art of Living family. The Minister
visited the Gurukul and Exhibition Centre and appreciated the institution’s efforts towards value-based
education, spiritual awareness and social transformation rooted in India’s cultural heritage.
The Minister also had the privilege of interacting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and sought his blessings.
Reflecting on the visit, Shri G. Kishan Reddy said:
“India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 must be guided not only by economic progress
and technological advancement, but also by spiritual consciousness, cultural values and a spirit of
collective service towards society.”
The visit concluded with a renewed emphasis on nation-building through scientific progress, sustainable
development, cultural values and institutional excellence in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat
2047.
***
Prajith Kumar MV
(Release ID: 2264946) Visitor Counter : 668
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