Ministry of Mines Showcases New Exploration Licence Regime
COAL & MINING

Ministry of Mines Showcases New Exploration Licence Regime

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set to Launch by 2028

India’s first bullet train is set to revolutionize high-speed travel along the western corridor, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project aiming for a 2028 launch. This announcement marks a major milestone in India’s infrastructure goals, as it promises to reduce travel time between the two economic hubs from eight hours to just three.Spanning a planned 508-kilometre stretch, the corridor stands as a flagship example of Indo-Japanese collaboration in technology and engineering. Once operational, the train is expected to transform intercity mobility and place India among the select..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Gandhinagar Train Service Enhances Passenger Capacity

The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express has increased its passenger capacity by adding four additional AC chair car coaches to meet the growing commuter demand on one of India’s busiest business corridors. This upgrade, effective from 11 May, raised the train’s seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers, allowing it to serve 936 more passengers daily in both directions. The increase was described as a practical measure to accommodate the surging demand on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar route, which regularly operates at over 150 percent seat occupancy...

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Delhi Plans 12 Sewage Plants to Clean Najafgarh Drain Efficiently

Delhi’s ambitious plan to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River has gained significant momentum as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has begun work on 12 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) aimed at reducing the volume of untreated sewage being discharged from the Najafgarh Drain.This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna and restore the river’s health, which has long been a critical environmental issue for the national capital. Given the alarming pollution levels in the Yamuna, experts and officials consider this project a vital step toward addressing the persist..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?