Date: 2026-03-26Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
India to scale up critical mineral exploration and build strong domestic value chains to reduce import dependence and meet strategic needs: Dr. Jitendra Singh
**Executive Summary**
The Governing Body of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET) met on March 26, 2026, to strategize the scaling up of India’s critical mineral exploration. The meeting, co-chaired by Union Ministers Dr. Jitendra Singh and Shri G. Kishan Reddy, focused on reducing import dependence by building domestic value chains and accelerating exploration for minerals like lithium. Key action items include streamlining project approvals, incentivizing startups, and involving local elected representatives to improve ground-level coordination.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Strategic Exploration and Supply Chain Goals**
* Accelerate exploration of critical minerals, specifically lithium, to align with global demand and national strategic needs.
* Expand exploration efforts in potential zones, building on current work in the Siwana belt (Rajasthan) and Salal-Haimna block (Jammu & Kashmir).
* Develop end-to-end domestic supply chains, including processing and value-addition capabilities in states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
**Private Sector and Startup Integration**
* Create a conducive environment for startups and private companies through targeted incentives, handholding mechanisms, and institutional support.
* Strengthen Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) by improving their access to technology, finance, and faster project approvals.
* Prioritize faster auctions and promote greater participation from private players to ensure long-term sector growth.
**Operational and Regulatory Efficiency**
* Implement faster procurement systems and timely pre-exploration clearances to maintain momentum.
* Improve coordination to resolve persistent delays related to forest clearances that affect project timelines.
* Utilize NMET funding to support innovation, incentivise states, and promote pilot projects for critical mineral recovery.
**Scientific and Local Engagement**
* Leverage the expertise of scientific institutions like CSIR–IMMT and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for indigenous technology development.
* Involve Members of Parliament (MPs) and State Legislators in exploration areas to build community awareness and facilitate smoother project implementation.
* Explore international cooperation to access advanced technologies and expertise.
**Impact Analysis**
**Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) and Startups**
**Impact**
These entities will benefit from a more favorable ecosystem characterized by better financial access, technological support, and streamlined approval processes.
**Action Required**
Startups and NPEAs must adopt innovative mining technologies and engage with NMET’s incentive programs to participate in exploration and pilot projects.
**State Governments**
**Impact**
States are positioned as key partners in developing processing hubs and conducting auctions, with specific incentives available for mineral development.
**Action Required**
State authorities need to streamline local clearances, particularly forest-related permissions, and coordinate with central agencies to facilitate faster project execution.
**Scientific Institutions (CSIR–IMMT and DAE)**
**Impact**
These institutions are identified as central to India's mineral advancement through the development of indigenous processing and exploration technologies.
**Action Required**
They must focus on R&D for mineral recovery and collaborate with exploration agencies to provide technical expertise.
**Elected Representatives (MPs and MLAs)**
**Impact**
Local representatives are assigned a formal role in bridging the gap between exploration projects and the community.
**Action Required**
They are required to engage with local communities in exploration zones to build awareness of the long-term benefits and ensure projects proceed without social friction.
Key Entities Referenced
National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET): The primary body responsible for reviewing critical mineral exploration, providing funding support, and incentivizing states to strengthen domestic supply chains.
Dr. Jitendra Singh: Union Minister who outlined the national strategy for scaling up mineral exploration, reducing import dependence, and fostering a startup-driven mining ecosystem.
Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs): Private sector entities identified as essential for building exploration capacity, requiring improved access to technology, finance, and faster project approvals.
CSIR–Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR–IMMT): A key scientific institution central to indigenous technology development and advancement in the mineral sector.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): A primary government department providing crucial scientific expertise and technology for mineral sector advancement.
Ministry of Science & Technology
India to scale up critical mineral exploration and
build strong domestic value chains to reduce
import dependence and meet strategic needs:
Dr. Jitendra Singh
'National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust' (NMET)
Governing Body Meeting reviews critical mineral exploration,
calls for faster pace, startup participation, and stronger
domestic supply chains
Involving MPs and MLAs in exploration areas can improve
ground-level coordination, says Union Minister Dr. Jitendra
Singh
Role of scientific institutions like CSIR–IMMT and DAE crucial
in mineral sector advancement: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On: 26 MAR 2026 1:39PM by PIB Delhi
“India is in the process of scaling up exploration of critical minerals, creating a startup-driven mining
ecosystem and building strong domestic value chains to reduce import dependence,” said Union Minister
Dr Jitendra Singh.
Addressing the Governing Body meeting of the "National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust"
(NMET), held at GPOA Complex, Dr Jitendra Singh set out key priorities to accelerate exploration,
strengthen domestic capacity and expand participation in the critical minerals sector.
The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines & Chairman, Governing Body,
National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, Shri G. Kishan Reddy and attended by senior
officials of the Ministry of Mines, Director of CSIR–Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology (CSIR–
IMMT), Director of the Atomic Minerals Directorate, representatives of the Department of Atomic
Energy, officials of exploration agencies, and representatives from State Governments including
Rajasthan, Telangana and Maharashtra.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the pace of exploration, particularly for lithium and other critical minerals,
needs to align with emerging global demand and India’s strategic requirements. He referred to ongoing
work in regions such as the Siwana belt in Rajasthan and the Salal–Haimna block in Jammu & Kashmir,
and called for expanding indigenous exploration efforts across more potential zones.The Minister said that India must create a conducive environment for Indian companies and startups to
enter the mining and critical minerals sector. Referring to the success of the biotechnology startup
ecosystem, he added that similar institutional support, targeted incentives, and handholding mechanisms
can enable innovation in mining technologies and exploration methods.
The Minister said that building capacity in private exploration agencies is essential for long-term growth
of the sector. He called for strengthening the role of Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs),
improving access to technology and finance, and ensuring faster project approvals so that private
participation expands in a meaningful manner.
Dr Jitendra Singh added that faster approvals, better procurement systems, and timely pre-exploration
clearances are necessary to maintain momentum in exploration activities. He also said that issues related
to forest clearances continue to affect timelines in several projects and require coordinated efforts for
resolution.
On local engagement, the Minister said that elected representatives, including Members of Parliament and
State Legislators, may be associated in areas where exploration is underway. This, he said, will help build
awareness among local communities and facilitate smoother implementation of projects.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that reducing dependence on imports requires development of end-to-end domestic
supply chains, including processing and value addition. He referred to ongoing efforts to establish
processing capabilities in states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat,
which are expected to strengthen India’s position in global mineral supply chains.
The Minister added that international cooperation may be explored for access to advanced technologies
and expertise, while maintaining focus on indigenous technology development through institutions such as
CSIR–IMMT and the Department of Atomic Energy.
Reviewing the functioning of NMET, Dr Jitendra Singh discussed annual plans, project approvals, funding
support, and institutional mechanisms aimed at improving efficiency and outcomes. He said that NMET
must continue to support innovation, facilitate exploration agencies, incentivise states and promote pilot
projects for recovery of critical minerals. He also said that awareness in exploration areas is important so
that local communities understand the long-term benefits of mineral development.
Speaking on the occasion, G. Kishan Reddy said that critical minerals will play a key role in India’s
growth and called for prioritising their exploration along with faster auctions and greater participation
from states and private players.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Mines presented updates on NMET activities, including progress on
exploration projects, startup initiatives, project approval mechanisms, and measures to improve
coordination and efficiency.*****
AK/AV
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