The Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 recently concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with the Centre and States reiterating their shared commitment to sustainable mining practices and strengthening India’s critical mineral security. Day two of the deliberations focused on advancing the National Critical Mineral Mission, promoting responsible mining and ensuring long-term mineral availability through coordinated action.Vivek Kumar Bajpai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, presented the framework of the National Critical Mineral Mission, outlining initiatives for identifying critical minerals, strengthening exploration and auctioning strategies, expanding domestic mining and processing capacities, promoting value addition and building resilient supply chains through collaboration with industry and research institutions.Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines, highlighted opportunities for recovering critical minerals from waste dumps and tailings. He emphasised the use of advanced technologies and secondary resources to enhance mineral availability while supporting circular and environmentally responsible mining.Addressing the gathering, Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underlined the importance of timely operationalisation of mines to boost the sector’s contribution to national growth. He stressed the need for faster, accountable processes and said the Ministry is taking steps to accelerate mining activities in line with developmental priorities.Punjab Mining Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal spoke on the progress and potential of the State’s mining sector, emphasising modern technologies, sustainable practices and effective policy frameworks to strengthen operations.Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the role of mining as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. He stressed effective utilisation of District Mineral Foundation funds, robust mine-closure planning and timely auctioning of mineral blocks, reiterating that States are key partners in advancing reforms aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.The two-day conference was attended by senior leadership including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, and Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with Mining Ministers and senior officials from more than eight States, reflecting strong cooperative federalism in advancing mining sector reforms.