National Mining Ministers’ Conference Kicks Off in Konark with Focus on Critical Minerals and Sustainability

Konark, Odisha: The third National Mining Ministers’ Conference commenced today in Konark, marking a significant step toward transforming India’s mining landscape. Organized by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Odisha Government, the event brought together Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, 14 state mining ministers, senior officials, industry leaders, and other stakeholders.

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the pivotal role of India’s mining sector in achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Highlighting the strategic importance of critical minerals, he remarked, “India will be the global destination for critical minerals. We are pioneering offshore mineral auctions for the first time in 75 years to enhance self-reliance and reduce import dependence.” Reddy urged states to expedite the exploration and auctioning of critical minerals while adopting sustainable practices.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state’s leadership in mineral production and its commitment to sustainable development. “Odisha will continue to lead the country in achieving the dream of a Viksit Bharat. We are dedicated to maximizing mineral resources while maintaining environmental and socio-economic balance,” he said.

The conference saw the release of the Best Practices on Mine Closure and States’ Best Practices in Mining booklets, showcasing innovative and sustainable strategies for mining operations and environmental conservation.

A major highlight was the launch of the Mining Tenement System (MTS), a cutting-edge digital platform designed to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in managing mineral resources.

The event also marked the announcement of the Fifth Tranche of Critical Mineral Block Auctions, featuring 15 blocks across eight states. These include essential minerals such as graphite, tungsten, rare earth elements (REE), and nickel.

V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, highlighted the government’s focus on boosting domestic production of critical minerals. He announced the upcoming National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) and noted the accelerated pace of mining block auctions, with 75% conducted in the last four years. Odisha alone contributed ₹1.33 lakh crore in mineral revenue over the past decade, underscoring its importance in India’s mining ecosystem.

The conference featured detailed presentations on key topics such as the integration of AI in exploration, facilitation of offshore mining, and operationalization of mineral blocks. State Mining Ministers shared their visions, fostering collaboration and innovation across regions.

Day 2 promises to delve deeper into the future of India’s mining sector, with presentations from 11 states on their auction processes and best practices. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will provide insights on forest and environmental issues, while the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) will offer updates on safety advancements in mining operations.