G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister, announced that the Centre would soon launch the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) to boost domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and promote offshore mining auctions. He also called on states to cooperate to ensure sustainable mining activities. Reddy made these statements after inaugurating the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference in Konark, attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, and other dignitaries and industry leaders. Reddy mentioned that the mission would soon receive Cabinet approval and that the Union Finance Minister had already announced it in her budget speech. He also noted that the import duty on critical minerals had been reduced to zero. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing defence equipment and key technologies. The Union Minister emphasized that India had already established a strong presence on the global stage regarding critical minerals and expressed the desire for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in this area. He also shared that India had launched an auction for 48 critical mineral blocks, with 24 of them successfully allotted. He mentioned that the fifth tranche, consisting of 15 critical mineral blocks, had been launched on the same day, with industries showing full participation. He urged that this momentum be maintained. Reddy acknowledged the increasing potential of offshore mining, noting that India’s first offshore mineral auction in 75 years would help reduce import dependence and contribute significantly to the country's self-sufficiency. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the state, known for its vast mineral resources, played a crucial role in India’s industrial and economic growth. He highlighted that the conference served as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and policy deliberation aimed at ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices. Majhi emphasized that Odisha would be pivotal in the country’s transformation, particularly through the 'Purvodaya Mission,' which aims to unlock India’s economic potential and build a more self-reliant and prosperous nation. Reddy and Majhi jointly launched the Mining Tenement System (MTS) at the conference. This digital platform aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve efficiency in the allocation and management of mineral resources. Additionally, they handed over sanction letters to 11 startups, which were selected for funding of Rs 150.97 million under the S&T-PRISM component of the Science and Technology Programme of the Ministry of Mines. These startups will focus on developing indigenous technologies, including sustainable solutions for high-grade silica production, lithium battery materials, and AI-enhanced mining operations. Reddy and Majhi also presented awards for excellence in mineral block auctions. Rajasthan was recognized for securing the top position, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, for conducting the highest number of auctions in the 2023-24 fiscal year. They jointly released a booklet on 'Best Practices on Mine Closure' during the conference. VL Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, highlighted significant achievements in the mining sector. He revealed that 75 per cent of mining block auctions had been conducted in the last four years, and Odisha had generated Rs 1.33 trillion in mineral revenue over the past decade.