The Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, directed agencies to fast-track pending mining and exploration projects and to adopt a mission-mode approach to strengthen India’s mineral security.

He chaired review meetings in Bengaluru with senior officials of the Geological Survey of India, the National Institute of Rock Mechanics, the Indian Bureau of Mines and the Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey division and set expectations for speed, accountability and measurable outcomes. The reviews focused on accelerating exploration and strengthening scientific and technological capabilities while promoting sustainable mining practices aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

Officials reported work on critical and strategic minerals, including Rare Earth Elements (REE), lithium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium and platinum group elements, and on mineral targeting and geospatial technologies. The Geological Survey of India outlined outcomes in Karnataka and Goa and a five-year roadmap for thematic mapping and AI and ML-enabled mineral targeting covering nearly 48,000 sq. km.

NIRM outlined contributions to infrastructure and mining safety projects, covering hydropower, metro rail, tunnel engineering and seismic monitoring and set out capabilities in rock mechanics and engineering geology. The Indian Bureau of Mines reviewed sustainable practices, operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks, scientific mine closure and mineral beneficiation and reported findings on critical mineral enrichment under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The Remote Sensing and Aerial Survey division reported that more than zero point six five million (mn) sq. km. has been covered under the National Aerogeophysical Mapping Programme, generating over 200 exploration projects.

The minister emphasised advanced technologies, data integration and scientific innovation and urged institutions to adopt AI driven systems, remote sensing and integrated geoscience analytics to make India resource secure. He directed coordinated work with clear timelines, measurable outcomes and enhanced accountability to support industrial expansion and strategic mineral security. During the Bengaluru visit he also visited the Art of Living Centre, interacted with members and sought blessings from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and noted that development should be guided by spiritual consciousness and cultural values.