India to scale up critical mineral exploration, focus on domestic value chains: Minister Jitendra Singh

• Published On Mar 26, 2026 at 05:51 PM IST

The meeting, co-chaired by G Kishan Reddy, reviewed progress in mineral exploration and discussed measures to increase pace, expand participation and strengthen supply chains.

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NMET sets roadmap to accelerate critical mineral exploration, boost private participation and strengthen domestic supply chains, aiming to reduce import dependence and support India’s strategic resource needs.Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Thursday said India is scaling up exploration of critical minerals and building domestic value chains to reduce import dependence, while addressing a meeting of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET).The meeting, co-chaired by G Kishan Reddy, reviewed progress in mineral exploration and discussed measures to increase pace, expand participation and strengthen supply chains.Singh said exploration of minerals such as lithium must align with global demand and India’s requirements. He referred to ongoing work in the Siwana belt in Rajasthan and the Salal–Haimna block in Jammu and Kashmir, and called for expanding efforts across more regions.

Push for startups and private participation

The minister said a startup-driven ecosystem is required in the mining sector, with institutional support and incentives to encourage innovation in exploration technologies. He added that capacity building among Notified Private Exploration Agencies is necessary, along with improved access to technology and finance and faster project approvals.

He said delays linked to forest clearances and pre-exploration approvals need to be addressed to maintain momentum in projects.

Singh also said elected representatives, including Members of Parliament and state legislators, could be involved in exploration areas to improve coordination and awareness at the local level.

On supply chains, he said reducing import dependence requires development of domestic processing and value addition capabilities. He referred to efforts in states such as Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Singh added that international cooperation may be explored for access to technology, while institutions such as CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy will play a role in domestic capability development.He said NMET will continue to support exploration projects, funding mechanisms and pilot initiatives for recovery of critical minerals, while promoting awareness in project areas.Kishan Reddy said critical minerals will play a role in India’s growth and called for faster auctions and greater participation from states and private players.