**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2802, the Ministry of Mines outlined its efforts to promote research and development (R&D) in the mining sector. Through its Science and Technology (S&T) program, the Ministry provides financial assistance to eligible institutions for applied research in geosciences, mineral exploration, mining, mineral processing, material science, and allied areas. In fiscal year 2024-25, 42 R&D projects were approved for funding, totaling ₹29.49 crores.
The S&T program also supports research and innovation in Startups and MSMEs within the mining and mineral sector, aiming to bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization and promote a complete value chain ecosystem. In FY 2024-25, 21 Startups/MSMEs received funding approvals amounting to ₹27.24 crores.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Mines has recognized seven institutes as Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission. These CoEs will conduct innovative research to enhance the nation's capabilities in critical minerals.
Priority areas for R&D support include critical materials, rare earth elements, circular economy, energy efficiency, and new materials and processes. The evaluation and selection of R&D projects follow a three-tier screening process involving the Preliminary Scrutiny Committee, the Project Evaluation and Review Committee, and the Standing Scientific Advisory Group, which include domain experts and senior scientists.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: The Indian government ministry responsible for the administration of mines and minerals.
LOK SABHA: The Lower House of the Parliament of India.
SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY: The Minister of Coal and Mines.
Science and Technology ST programme: A program under the Ministry of Mines that funds research and development projects in geosciences, mineral exploration, mining, mineral processing, material science, and allied areas.
MSMEs: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which receive funding under the ST programme for research and innovation in the mining and mineral sector.
National Critical Mineral Mission: A mission under which the Ministry of Mines has recognized institutes as Centres of Excellence (CoE) to conduct research in critical minerals.
Centres of Excellence CoE: Institutes recognized under the National Critical Mineral Mission to undertake research in critical minerals.
POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM: Member of Parliament who raised the question in LOK SABHA regarding the promotion of research and development in the mining sector.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2802
ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025
PROMOTION OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN MINING
2802. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to promote research and
development in the mining sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has identified any priority areas for supporting research
in the field of mining; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which these research projects evaluated
and selected for funding?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): Yes. Ministry of Mines, under its Science and Technology (S&T) programme,
funds eligible institutions to undertake research & development (R&D) projects to
promote applied research in geo-sciences, mineral exploration, mining, mineral
processing, material science and allied areas. During FY 2024-25, 42 R&D projects
were approved for financial assistance amounting to ₹29.49 crores. Further, under the
S&T programme, the Ministry also funds research and innovation in Start-ups and
MSMEs working in the field of mining and mineral sector to bridge the gap between
R&D and commercialisation, and also to promote the eco-system for complete value
chain in the sector. During FY 2024-25, a total of 21 Start-ups / MSMEs have been
approved for funding of an amount of ₹27.24 crores. Moreover, Ministry of Mines has
recognized 7 institutes as Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical
Mineral Mission to undertake innovative and transformational research, so as to
strengthen and advance the nation’s science and technology capability in the area of
critical minerals.
(c) & (d): Yes. Priority areas have been identified for supporting directed research
and innovation in mining, and include R&D in critical materials, rare earth, circulareconomy, energy efficiency, and new materials and processes. The evaluation and
selection of R&D projects involves a three-tier screening mechanism through
Preliminary Scrutiny Committee, Project Evaluation and Review Committee and
Standing Scientific Advisory Group. Domain experts and senior scientists are part of
these committees.
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