Ministry of Mines Showcases New Exploration Licence Regime

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

In his keynote address, Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao described the EL policy as a major step forward in tapping into India's untapped reserves of key minerals like lithium, gold, rare earth elements (REEs), and diamonds. He said the new regime shifts focus from passive mineral ownership to active exploration, opening the door for private sector involvement in early-stage mineral discovery.

A detailed session on the EL framework was presented by Mustaq Ahmad, Director at the Ministry, who explained how the policy encourages private sector participation, use of advanced exploration technology, and creation of a robust pipeline of mineral resources critical for India’s future growth.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) shared technical insights into the mineral potential of EL blocks across ten states. GSI’s Deputy Director General S.K. Basir emphasized the strategic importance of these sites based on initial reconnaissance studies.

To help participants understand the bidding process, SBI Capital Markets' Vice President Lovesh Singla provided a breakdown of the e-auction system, eligibility rules, and tender structure. A demo of the MSTC e-auction platform was also conducted by Setu D Sharma, Senior Manager at MSTC, who explained how the system ensures transparency and security.

Sebabrata Das from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) spoke about a financial support scheme that offers partial reimbursement of exploration costs to EL holders—an initiative aimed at reducing investor risk and boosting participation.

Closing the event, Additional Secretary Sanjay Lohiya reaffirmed the Ministry’s goal to build a competitive, tech-driven, and investor-friendly exploration ecosystem. He called for greater public-private collaboration and urged stakeholders to engage in the auction process.

Key dates were also announced: a pre-bid conference on April 22, 2025; last date for query submission on April 30; tender purchase deadline on May 16; and final bid submission by May 26.

The workshop saw participation from government officials, PSUs, industry bodies, exploration firms, and investors, reflecting growing interest in India’s new approach to mineral exploration.

The Ministry of Mines held a national workshop and roadshow today at The Ambassador Hotel in New Delhi to raise awareness about the newly introduced Exploration Licence (EL) regime and the upcoming Tranche-1 auction of EL blocks. In his keynote address, Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao described the EL policy as a major step forward in tapping into India's untapped reserves of key minerals like lithium, gold, rare earth elements (REEs), and diamonds. He said the new regime shifts focus from passive mineral ownership to active exploration, opening the door for private sector involvement in early-stage mineral discovery. A detailed session on the EL framework was presented by Mustaq Ahmad, Director at the Ministry, who explained how the policy encourages private sector participation, use of advanced exploration technology, and creation of a robust pipeline of mineral resources critical for India’s future growth. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) shared technical insights into the mineral potential of EL blocks across ten states. GSI’s Deputy Director General S.K. Basir emphasized the strategic importance of these sites based on initial reconnaissance studies. To help participants understand the bidding process, SBI Capital Markets' Vice President Lovesh Singla provided a breakdown of the e-auction system, eligibility rules, and tender structure. A demo of the MSTC e-auction platform was also conducted by Setu D Sharma, Senior Manager at MSTC, who explained how the system ensures transparency and security. Sebabrata Das from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) spoke about a financial support scheme that offers partial reimbursement of exploration costs to EL holders—an initiative aimed at reducing investor risk and boosting participation. Closing the event, Additional Secretary Sanjay Lohiya reaffirmed the Ministry’s goal to build a competitive, tech-driven, and investor-friendly exploration ecosystem. He called for greater public-private collaboration and urged stakeholders to engage in the auction process. Key dates were also announced: a pre-bid conference on April 22, 2025; last date for query submission on April 30; tender purchase deadline on May 16; and final bid submission by May 26. The workshop saw participation from government officials, PSUs, industry bodies, exploration firms, and investors, reflecting growing interest in India’s new approach to mineral exploration.

Infrastructure Transport

04 Jun 2026

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Real Estate

04 Jun 2026

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..

Infrastructure Energy

04 Jun 2026

Government to Launch Coal Gasification Urea Policy

The government will unveil a coal gasification based policy for urea production within one month, aiming to promote the use of domestic coal feedstock in synthetic fertiliser manufacture. The move seeks to enhance self reliance in fertiliser supply and to provide an alternative route to natural gas based synthesis. Officials said the policy will set out technical standards, permitting norms and incentives for projects that adopt coal gasification technology. It will aim to attract investments from both public sector undertakings and private manufacturers. The scheme will address logistical and..