**Executive Summary**
This document presents the response to Unstarred Question No. 1920 in the Lok Sabha, answered on February 11, 2026, regarding the domestic production of Copper and Gold. The document outlines steps taken by the Government of India to increase domestic production, provides production data for the last five years, and clarifies the government's position on private sector participation and disinvestment. There are no deadlines or specific action items.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Government Measures to Increase Production:**
* Implemented Exploration Licence (EL) regime for critical and deep-seated minerals.
* Exploration by Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) is funded by National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT).
* 11 copper blocks and 28 gold blocks auctioned since 2015.
* Employs state-of-the-art 'Paste Fill' Technology to increase safety and production of copper ore.
* Has "Vision Document on the Copper Sector” outlines strategic roadmap for India's copper industry.
* **Production Data (Last Five Years):**
| Mineral | Unit | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| ------------------- | ------- | ------- | ------- | ------- | ------- | ------- |
| Copper Concentrate | Tonnes | 108718 | 115313 | 112745 | 125230 | 105012 |
| Gold Primary | KG | 1127 | 1407 | 1433 | 1586 | 1627 |
* **Private Sector and Technology:**
* Mineral blocks are auctioned transparently to increase private sector participation.
* Modern technologies are utilized, including remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), drone technology, and satellite-based monitoring.
* **Worker Safety and Sustainable Practices:**
* Mines Act, 1952 ensures occupational safety and health of mine workers, overseen by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).
* Sustainable Mining Practices are ensured through Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017 and Star Rating of Mining leases.
* **Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL):**
* HCL is engaged in copper mining and has taken measures to enhance copper ore production significantly.
* There is no proposal for disinvestment of HCL.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Mining Companies (including HCL)**
* **Impact:** Affected by new exploration licensing, private sector participation, technology upgrades, and production targets.
* **Action Required:** Adapt operations to utilize new technologies and comply with sustainable mining practices; Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) continues enhancing copper ore production.
**Stakeholder: Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs)**
* **Impact:** Receive funding through the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT).
* **Action Required:** Conduct exploration activities as per license agreements.
**Stakeholder: Mine Workers**
* **Impact:** Subject to regulations regarding occupational safety and health.
* **Action Required:** Adhere to safety regulations enforced by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS).
**Stakeholder: General Public/Economy**
* **Impact:** Benefit from increased domestic production of copper and gold, reduced import dependence, and economic growth.
* **Action Required:** None specified.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The primary government entity responsible for the policy related to domestic production of copper and gold.
Copper and Gold: Key minerals targeted for increased domestic production due to their importance in energy transition, emerging technologies, and national security.
Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017: Rules ensuring sustainable mining practices.
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): Public sector company involved in copper mining, and measures to enhance copper ore production.
Mines Act, 1952: Legislation to ensure occupational safety & health of mine workers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1920
ANSWERED ON THE 11.02.2026
DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF COPPER AND GOLD
1920. DR. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken steps to increase the domestic production of
Copper and Gold in view of the importance of their energy transition, emerging
technologies and national security and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether adequate proven reserves of Copper and Gold are available in the public
sector to meet domestic demand and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken
by the Government to enhance production capacity;
(c) whether the production of Copper and Gold has increased during the last five/ten
years and if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
(d) the status of technology upgradation and investments to realise the full potential
of copper and gold mining assets;
(e) whether the Government is considering private sector participation, modern mining
technologies or other measures to ensure sustainable growth in domestic production
while safeguarding labour welfare and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) whether the Government proposes disinvestment in PSUs engaged in Copper and
Gold mining to increase production and reduce import dependence and if so, the details
thereof ?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF MINES AND COAL
(SHRI G KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): Government of India has taken measures to increase domestic production of
various minerals (including Copper and Gold), which include the following:
Exploration Licence (EL) regime permitting reconnaissance and prospecting
operations for critical and deep-seated minerals Exploration by Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) with funding from
National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT)
11 copper blocks and 28 gold blocks auctioned, since 2015
State of art ‘Paste Fill’ Technology to increase safety and production of copper ore
“Vision Document on the Copper Sector” outlines strategic roadmap for India's copper
industry
(c): Production details of Copper and Gold during the last five years:
Mineral Unit 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Copper Concentrate Tonne 108718 115313 112745 125230 105012
Gold Primary KG 1127 1407 1433 1586 1627
(d) & (e): Mineral blocks are auctioned through transparent process to increase private
sector participation. Mining sector utilizes modern technologies including remote sensing,
Geographic Information System (GIS), drone technology, satellite-based monitoring and
automation to realize potential of mining assets.
The Central Government has enacted Mines Act, 1952 to ensure occupational safety &
health of mine workers. Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under Ministry of
Labour and Employment has been entrusted to ensure compliance of the provisions for
enhancing safety of mine workers.
Sustainable Mining Practices are ensured through Mineral Conservation and Development
Rules (MCDR), 2017 and scheme of Star Rating of Mining leases for implementation of
Sustainable Development Framework.
(f): Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) under Ministry of Mines is engaged in mining of copper
and has taken up various measures to enhance copper ore production significantly. There
is no proposal for disinvestment of HCL.
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