**Summary:**
The Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Government of Assam, will jointly host the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers Conclave in Guwahati on June 27th-28th, 2025. This conclave, aligned with the Government of India's Viksit Bharat vision, aims to unlock the mineral and coal potential of the North Eastern Region (NER) by promoting sustainable and scientific mining practices, improving the ease of doing business in the resource sector, and strengthening centre-state coordination. The event will feature participation from all eight North Eastern states, with the Chief Minister of Assam as the Chief Guest and Mining and Geology Ministers from across the region also in attendance.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, will present its latest mineral exploration findings and release key publications on the region's geology and resource profile. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed between central agencies and state governments to accelerate mineral exploration, with the Ministry of Mines highlighting progress under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
Since FY 2024-25, 283 mineral blocks have been offered for auction, with 161 successfully auctioned, bringing the total to 515. This includes five mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh. The Ministry of Coal will launch the "Report on Coal Resources Exploration in North Eastern Region" and a brochure on commercial coal mining in the North East, highlighting the auction of five coal blocks with a combined peak rated capacity of 1.234 million tonnes per annum. The Ministry plans over 3.9 lakh meters of drilling with 100% utilization of RD funds to promote sustainable coal mining. NLC India Ltd. will also present plans to establish 1,000 MW of solar power capacity in Assam, supporting the national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030. The conclave is expected to catalyze investments, innovation, and inclusive growth in the North Eastern Region. Release ID: 2139877.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the administration of mines and minerals.
Ministry of Coal: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for coal exploration and production.
Guwahati, Assam: City in Assam, India, the location of the 2nd North East Geology Mining Ministers Conclave.
North Eastern Region: A region in India comprising eight states.
Viksit Bharat: A vision of the Government of India.
Geological Survey of India: An organisation under the Ministry of Mines responsible for geological surveys and studies.
National Mineral Exploration Trust: An organisation supporting mineral exploration projects.
NLC India Ltd.: A Navratna company under the Ministry of Coal.
Ministry of Mines
Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Coal to Jointly Host
2nd North East Geology & Mining Ministers’
Conclave in Guwahati
Posted On: 26 JUN 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards unlocking the mineral and coal potential of the North Eastern Region (NER), the
Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal and the Government of Assam, is organising the
2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers’ Conclave on 27th–28th June 2025 in Guwahati. The conclave,
being held under the Government of India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ will witness participation from all eight
North Eastern states. The Chief Minister of Assam will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside Mining
and Geology Ministers from across the region.
The event aims to promote sustainable and scientific mining, improve ease of doing business in the resource
sector, and strengthen centre-state coordination for balanced regional development. Building on the success of
the first conclave held in Nagaland, this year’s edition will feature a series of impactful sessions and releases.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) under the Ministry of Mines will present the latest findings on mineral
exploration and unveil key publications dedicated to the region’s geology and resource profile. Several
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed between central agencies and state governments to
accelerate mineral exploration. The Ministry of Mines will also highlight progress under the National Mineral
Exploration Trust (NMET), which has been supporting several ongoing exploration projects in the region.
India’s mineral auction framework has gained strong momentum in recent months. Since FY 2024–25, a total
of 283 mineral blocks have been put up for auction by the State and Central Governments. Of these, 161
mineral blocks have been successfully auctioned, bringing the cumulative tally to 515. This includes five
mineral blocks from Assam and four critical mineral blocks from Arunachal Pradesh, opening new avenues
for industrial growth and employment in the region. These auctions underscore the readiness of the North-
East to play a central role in India’s critical mineral strategy, while also reflecting the government’s
commitment to transparency and competitiveness in resource allocation.
In parallel, the Ministry of Coal will launch two important publications during the conclave — the “Report on
Coal Resources & Exploration in North Eastern Region” and a dedicated brochure on commercial coal mining
in North East states. These documents reflect the substantial progress made in recent years, including the
successful auction of five coal blocks in the North East region, with a combined peak rated capacity of 1.234
million tonnes per annum. With over 3.9 lakh meters of drilling planned and 100% utilisation of R&D funds,
the Ministry is actively promoting sustainable and smart coal mining practices in the region. The conclave
will also feature NLC India Ltd.’s ambitious plans to set up 1,000 MW of solar power capacity in Assam,
contributing to the national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030.
The two-day conclave signifies a strong convergence of efforts between the Ministry of Mines and the
Ministry of Coal, aligning energy security with regional development and environmental sustainability. The
event is expected to serve as a catalyst for future investments, innovation, and inclusive growth in the North
Eastern Region.
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Shuhaib T(Release ID: 2139877)