New Delhi: Union Minister of Coal and Mining G. Kishan Reddy on Thursday unveiled the country’s first auction of Exploration Permit (ELS), which auctioned 13 key mineral blocks, marking a major reform aimed at unlocking India’s untapped and deep mineral reserves. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and key officials from the Union Mines Department participated in the launch event in Dona Paula.
The 13 explorations of the auction cover a range of minerals that are crucial to India’s green and high-tech industries, including rare earth elements (REE), zinc, diamonds, copper and platinum elements (PGE). Kishan Reddy also opened a roadshow on the 5th batch of key mineral blocks and launched AI Hackathon 2025, a program designed to leverage artificial intelligence for target mineral exploration.
At the party, Kishan Reddy highlighted the achievements of the mining industry over the past decade and described it as one of India’s fastest growing and most dynamic industries. “Today is another milestone. We have laid the foundation for a new era of mineral exploration – faster, technology-driven and global competitiveness,” he said. Kishan Reddy added that the transformation of the industry opens up huge opportunities for private participation and paves the way for India’s emergence as a global mining leader.
The Union Minister elaborated on the new legal framework that the amendment to the Mining and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act encourages private companies to explore in exclusive rights up to 1,000 square meters per license. Kishan Reddy noted that if no minerals were found, the Indian government would assume 50% of exploration risks, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant thanked the ministry for choosing the country that the state releases and roadshows, highlighting the integral role of mining in local employment and economic growth. “As India pursues the future of green energy, ensuring the supply of critical minerals is crucial. The amendment to the MMDR Act is a bold step to attack the country’s unexplored mineral wealth,” Sawant said.
Mining Minister VL Kantha Rao praised the exploration permit as a turning point in India’s path to self-reliance. He stressed that once these blocks are successfully explored and mined, the country’s dependence on mineral imports will be reduced. Rao described the initiative as a key big step towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting private investment and innovation in the mining sector.
