Parliament Question: National Mineral Exploration Trust

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2028 ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 NATIONAL MINERAL EXPLORATION TRUST

2028. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is implementing transparent mineral leasing, NMET- funded projects and community-development obligations to ensure local benefit from mining and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether any mineral exploration licences, mining leases or NMET-supported projects are operational in the districts of Katni, Panna and town of Khajuraho in Khajuraho Lok Sabha Constituency and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the local employment generated, training provided and utilisation of lease/National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions for welfare works;

(d) whether mining faces constraints in these districts and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons and steps for fair compensation, rehabilitation and livelihood support; and

(e) the safeguards to ensure transparent grievance redressal, environmental protection and preference to local residents in mining-related employment? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a): The Government grants mineral leases by auction and NMEDT-funded projects in a transparent manner. Since 2015, total of 612 mineral blocks auctioned and 656 projects sanctioned by the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust

(NMEDT). Further, the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fulfills the community development obligations.

(b) to (d): As per the information received from Government of Madhya Pradesh, 11 mineral concessions (CL & ML) have been auctioned, while 96 other mining leases and 9 NMEDT-funded exploration projects operational in Katni, Panna and Chhatarpur districts and no constraints have been reported with respect to mining activities in these districts.

As per a study conducted by the Skill Council for Mining Sector (SCMS), approximately 1.3 crore employment was generated in mining sector in the country and 1,313 apprentices were engaged by Central Public Sector Undertakings under theMinistry of Mines in FY 2024-25. Further, DMF contribution received from mining activity is utilized for welfare works for local communities.

(e): Before grant of mineral concessions, it is mandatory to obtain requisite statutory clearances from various departments of the Central Government and respective State Governments, including Environmental Clearance and Forest Clearance. As part of grant of Environmental Clearance, public consultation is done to address the concerns of local community. The prospective lessees carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit the Environment Management Plan (EMP) based on scientific study by taking into consideration likely impact of project activity on the baseline environment. The mining lease holders implement the environmental mitigation measures as approved during grant of Environmental Clearance. The above safeguards ensure that mining activity is aligned with public interest.

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