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Resilient critical minerals supply chains essential for strategic security: G Kishan Reddy
Feb-13-2026

As the country march towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy has emphasized that the country is working to reduce import dependence and achieve mineral self-reliance. The minister pointed out that building resilient supply chains of critical minerals are essential for strategic security of the country with intensifying global competition. He highlighted the expanded scope of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET) and the whole-of-government approach towards strengthening exploration, data integration, data-driven decision making and systematic identification of mineral prospects. 

Further, he has urged industry leaders to enhance research, innovation and coordination, as the government remains fully committed to enabling private participation and strengthening the mineral exploration ecosystem. He also called upon PSUs to actively participate in mineral exploration to advance the vision of Atmanirbbhar Bharat in the mineral sector. Besides, the government has launched second tranche of Exploration Licences (EL).

The minister noted that the second tranche of auctions is building on the strong response and success of the first tranche, further deepening private sector participation under the new exploration regime and promoting technologically advanced exploration practices. The government launched the auction of 11 exploration licence blocks covering rare earth elements, gold, diamond and copper, among others. These blocks are distributed in eight states.

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