Coal news and updates

MinesMin organises seminar on India’s Critical Mineral Mission

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy chaired the Seminar on the Centre of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission in Hyderabad, according to an official release.

The minister outlined the government’s vision for promoting mineral self-reliance, attracting investment, and advancing technological capabilities in the sector.

The seminar featured four technical sessions, which outlined a well-defined R&D roadmap for advancing indigenous technologies in the efficient processing and refining of critical minerals. The sessions focused on institutionalizing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) through governance and hub-and-spoke coordination; identifying industry priorities and enhancing participation in R&D projects; advancing big-ticket translational R&D initiatives to scale innovations up to TRL 7/8 pilot plants and pre-commercial demonstrations; and aligning the CoEs’ R&D agenda with the requirements of India’s strategic sectors.

During the event, the minister released the CEEW report “Making India a Hub for Critical Minerals Processing” along with a roadmap booklet for enhancing domestic processing capabilities. Reddy also announced that from tomorrow onwards, a uniform welfare framework will be implemented across all Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the Ministry, covering all regular mining employees under a ₹1 crore insurance scheme to ensure safety, dignity, and social security.

The minister also announced the preferred bidders for Tranche 1 of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks and facilitated interactions with stakeholders. The event marked the successful completion of India’s first auction of EL blocks for deep-seated minerals like lithium, copper, gold, and rare earth elements. Of the 13 blocks issued for bidding, 7 advanced to the second round, covering states such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The initiative encourages private sector participation in exploration, supporting green technologies, energy transition, and high-tech industries while sharing auction revenues.