Kishan Reddy Launches 2nd Tranche of Critical Mineral Exploration Blocks
Kishan Reddy stated that a robust and efficient exploration regime will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and enhancing self-reliance in the mineral sector.
Hyderabad: Union minister G. Kishan Reddy launched the second tranche of exploration licence (EL) auctions for 11 critical deep-seated mineral blocks across eight states, which included three blocks from the state — at Kondagattu in Jagtial and Rajanna Sircilla districts (202 sq km); Chinna Kodur in Siddipet (219 sq km) and Momanpet in Vikarabad and Sangareddy districts (203 sq km).
Speaking at the event, where Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal was present, Kishan Reddy underscored the need to reduce India’s dependence on imports of rare minerals by accelerating domestic exploration and encouraging greater participation of the private sector alongside government agencies. He reiterated that the government was committed to building a structured, transparent and technology-driven exploration framework to unlock the country’s untapped mineral potential. Mines additional secretary Sanjay Lohia was present at the launch and roadshow of tranche-II.
Kishan Reddy stated that a robust and efficient exploration regime will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and enhancing self-reliance in the mineral sector. He said that the mining sector is witnessing transformative changes aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and investment.
The minister also launched the Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) Next-Generation (NG) Portal — a cloud-enabled platform integrating data acquisition, analysis, visualisation and dissemination. It will be interoperable with the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR), and is expected to significantly enhance transparency, efficiency and data-driven decision-making in mineral exploration.
