+
Exploring Minerals Under NMEP
COAL & MINING

Exploring Minerals Under NMEP

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, has implemented various strategies to enhance mineral exploration in line with the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP). These initiatives aim to identify new mineral-rich regions and expand exploration activities across the country.

As part of the National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) program, GSI has surveyed 21.39 lakh sq. km in priority areas to detect elemental concentrations. Under the National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM) program, 16.84 lakh sq. km has been mapped. Additionally, the National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP) was launched to acquire aero-geophysical data at an 80-meter height and 120-meter spacing in soil-covered terrains. Surveying under NAGMP has been completed in seven blocks, identifying 322 anomaly areas.

GSI has intensified its mineral exploration programs, focusing on critical and strategic minerals. Between 2016-17 and 2023-24, a total of 2,169 exploration programs were undertaken, including 704 projects on critical and strategic minerals. For 2024-25, 437 exploration programs are planned, with 195 dedicated to critical and strategic minerals.

Systematic mapping of 20.43 lakh sq. km within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been completed, leading to the identification of 5.89 lakh Offshore Prospective Areas (OPA) for mineral exploration, including heavy minerals, polymetallic nodules, and construction sand. Preliminary surveys (G4) and close-grid exploration (G3) are being conducted in these areas to enhance offshore mineral resource potential.

Significant mineral blocks discovered include rare earth elements (REE) in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka, tungsten and lithium in Rajasthan, nickel in Karnataka, and vanadium and graphite in Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. Other key discoveries include copper and gold in Karnataka, potash in Rajasthan, phosphorite in Chhattisgarh, and iron ore in Odisha.

Under the MMDR Amendment Acts of 2021 and 2023, provisions have been introduced to facilitate private sector participation in exploration. Accredited private exploration agencies can now conduct exploration without a prospecting license and receive funding under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). Additionally, an Exploration Licence (EL) has been introduced for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals.

The Ministry of Mines has notified 31 private exploration agencies (NPEAs), and NMET has funded 72 projects with a total approved cost of Rs 1.22 billion. A mobilization advance of up to 30 per cent of the project cost is available against a bank guarantee. NMET also provides partial reimbursement of exploration expenses, covering up to 50 per cent of direct costs for EL holders (Rs 200 million cap) and composite license holders (Rs 80 million cap). Additionally, NMET offers a 25 per cemt exploration incentive for G4 projects in greenfield areas that advance to G3 stage.

News source: PIB

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, has implemented various strategies to enhance mineral exploration in line with the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP). These initiatives aim to identify new mineral-rich regions and expand exploration activities across the country. As part of the National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) program, GSI has surveyed 21.39 lakh sq. km in priority areas to detect elemental concentrations. Under the National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM) program, 16.84 lakh sq. km has been mapped. Additionally, the National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP) was launched to acquire aero-geophysical data at an 80-meter height and 120-meter spacing in soil-covered terrains. Surveying under NAGMP has been completed in seven blocks, identifying 322 anomaly areas. GSI has intensified its mineral exploration programs, focusing on critical and strategic minerals. Between 2016-17 and 2023-24, a total of 2,169 exploration programs were undertaken, including 704 projects on critical and strategic minerals. For 2024-25, 437 exploration programs are planned, with 195 dedicated to critical and strategic minerals. Systematic mapping of 20.43 lakh sq. km within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been completed, leading to the identification of 5.89 lakh Offshore Prospective Areas (OPA) for mineral exploration, including heavy minerals, polymetallic nodules, and construction sand. Preliminary surveys (G4) and close-grid exploration (G3) are being conducted in these areas to enhance offshore mineral resource potential. Significant mineral blocks discovered include rare earth elements (REE) in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka, tungsten and lithium in Rajasthan, nickel in Karnataka, and vanadium and graphite in Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. Other key discoveries include copper and gold in Karnataka, potash in Rajasthan, phosphorite in Chhattisgarh, and iron ore in Odisha. Under the MMDR Amendment Acts of 2021 and 2023, provisions have been introduced to facilitate private sector participation in exploration. Accredited private exploration agencies can now conduct exploration without a prospecting license and receive funding under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). Additionally, an Exploration Licence (EL) has been introduced for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals. The Ministry of Mines has notified 31 private exploration agencies (NPEAs), and NMET has funded 72 projects with a total approved cost of Rs 1.22 billion. A mobilization advance of up to 30 per cent of the project cost is available against a bank guarantee. NMET also provides partial reimbursement of exploration expenses, covering up to 50 per cent of direct costs for EL holders (Rs 200 million cap) and composite license holders (Rs 80 million cap). Additionally, NMET offers a 25 per cemt exploration incentive for G4 projects in greenfield areas that advance to G3 stage. News source: PIB

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?