On December 3, 2025, the Ministry of Mines answered Unstarred Question No. 557 regarding critical minerals and deep-sea exploration. The Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, provided the following information:
(a) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has handed over Geological Reports of 83 critical mineral blocks and Geological Memorandums of 77 critical mineral blocks to the Central Government. 59 critical mineral blocks have been auctioned successfully. The Central Government has notified a Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) for the auction of 23 critical mineral blocks.
(b) The Ministry of Earth Sciences explores deep seabed mineral resources beyond India's EEZ in the Indian Ocean through a signed contract with the International Seabed Authority.
(c) There is no institute named 'National Institute of Advanced Mineral Technology'.
(d) As per the FDI Policy, 2020, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route for mining and exploration of metal and non-metal ores, including diamond, gold, silver, and precious ores, excluding titanium bearing minerals and its ores.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The primary government ministry responsible for mineral exploration and policy.
Geological Survey of India (GSI): Attached office of the Ministry of Mines, responsible for mineral exploration.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy, 2020: Policy allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route for mining and exploration.
Indian Ocean: Location of seabed resources exploration.
Ministry of Earth Sciences: Conducts exploration of deep seabed mineral resources beyond India's EEZ in the Indian Ocean.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.557
ANSWERED ON 03.12.2025
CRITICAL MINERALS AND DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION
557. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:
SHRI KALI CHARAN SINGH:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) the present status of the exploration and auction of 20 identified critical mineral
blocks;
(b) the steps being taken to expedite technical cooperation/tie-ups for exploration of
seabed resources in the Indian Ocean;
(c) the details of proposed research areas and facilities for critical mineral processing
at the National Institute of Advanced Mineral Technology; and
(d) the details of specific financial incentives being provided to attract Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) in the mining sector?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a): The Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines,
carries out mineral exploration, including critical minerals, and has handed over
Geological Reports of 83 critical mineral blocks and Geological Memorandums of 77
critical mineral blocks to the Central Government. So far, 59 critical mineral blocks
have been auctioned successfully. Further, the Central Government has notified
Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) of 23 critical mineral blocks for auction.
(b): The Ministry of Earth Sciences conducts exploration of deep seabed mineral
resources beyond India's EEZ in the Indian Ocean through signed contract with the
International Seabed Authority.
(c): There is no institute with the name ‘National Institute of Advanced Mineral
Technology. In view of this, question does not arise.
(d): In order to attract Foreign Direct Investment(FDI), as per the FDI Policy, 2020,
100% FDI is allowed under automatic route for mining and exploration of metal and
non-metal ores including diamond, gold, silver and precious ores but excluding
titanium bearing minerals and its ores.
*****