Coal and Mines Ministry reviews National Mineral Exploration Trust

25 Sep 2023 CW Team

The Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Coal and Mines had convened at the Parliament House Annexe on September 19th to assess the performance of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). During the session, it was reported in a Ministry of Coal press release that Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, had stressed the government's commitment to enhancing mineral exploration with the aim of achieving self-reliance in mineral production.

He mentioned that Joshi had highlighted the significance of India's recently published list of 30 Critical Minerals, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to expedite the auction process for these critical minerals within the country. The primary focus of the meeting was the "Performance of NMET concerning its role and responsibility in promoting exploration in the country." The Ministry of Mines, led by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, provided the committee members with an overview of NMET's performance. It was pointed out that 25 percent of the project cost had been allocated as an incentive for deep-seated and Critical Mineral exploration. For the purpose of promoting mineral exploration, NMET had granted approval to 309 projects with a total value of Rs 21 billion for regional and detailed exploration across the country.

These projects were being carried out by various Notified Exploration Agencies and Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NEAs & NPEAs). Out of the 309 projects that had received approval, 151 had already been successfully completed, while the rest were still in progress. Additionally, eleven blocks had been auctioned by the respective State Governments, resulting in an approximate revenue of Rs 1.69 trillion for the country throughout the lifespan of the mines.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..