NMET approves 309 mineral exploration projects worth Rs 21 bn

22 Sep 2023 CW Team

Among these 309 sanctioned projects, 151 have reached completion, while the remaining 158 are progressing through various stages.

The respective State Governments have successfully auctioned eleven blocks, generating revenue of Rs 1.69 trillion, as reported by the Ministry of Mines.

In its mineral exploration endeavours, NMET is also financially supporting projects aimed at generating fundamental geoscience data. This includes conducting multi-sensor aero-geophysical surveys under the National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Program and the National Geophysical Mapping Programme. These initiatives are being executed by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and will assist in identifying potential areas, including concealed and deep-seated target areas for further mineral exploration.

Furthermore, NMET is funding the development of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal by GSI, which is set to launch shortly.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, while chairing a Consultative Committee meeting for the Ministry of Coal and Mines, expressed that the Central government is providing substantial financial and technological support to State governments. This support aims to bolster mineral exploration efforts and enhance India's self-reliance in this sector. Joshi also highlighted ongoing efforts to expedite the auction process for critical minerals within India.

Joshi further elaborated that NMET has devised and disseminated schemes to provide financial assistance for the procurement of machinery, equipment, instruments, and the upgrading of existing software and other cutting-edge technologies in both Central government organisations and State Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGMs). These initiatives are geared towards strengthening technical infrastructure.

It has been decided that 25% of the project cost will be designated as an incentive for projects focused on exploring deep-seated and critical minerals.

The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has granted approval to 309 projects, with an estimated total cost of Rs 21 billion, for conducting regional and detailed exploration activities throughout the country. Among these 309 sanctioned projects, 151 have reached completion, while the remaining 158 are progressing through various stages. The respective State Governments have successfully auctioned eleven blocks, generating revenue of Rs 1.69 trillion, as reported by the Ministry of Mines. In its mineral exploration endeavours, NMET is also financially supporting projects aimed at generating fundamental geoscience data. This includes conducting multi-sensor aero-geophysical surveys under the National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Program and the National Geophysical Mapping Programme. These initiatives are being executed by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and will assist in identifying potential areas, including concealed and deep-seated target areas for further mineral exploration. Furthermore, NMET is funding the development of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal by GSI, which is set to launch shortly. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, while chairing a Consultative Committee meeting for the Ministry of Coal and Mines, expressed that the Central government is providing substantial financial and technological support to State governments. This support aims to bolster mineral exploration efforts and enhance India's self-reliance in this sector. Joshi also highlighted ongoing efforts to expedite the auction process for critical minerals within India. Joshi further elaborated that NMET has devised and disseminated schemes to provide financial assistance for the procurement of machinery, equipment, instruments, and the upgrading of existing software and other cutting-edge technologies in both Central government organisations and State Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGMs). These initiatives are geared towards strengthening technical infrastructure. It has been decided that 25% of the project cost will be designated as an incentive for projects focused on exploring deep-seated and critical minerals.

Infrastructure Energy

07 Oct 2025

SJVN Commissions 129 MW Solar Capacity In Bikaner

State-owned SJVN Limited has announced the commissioning of 128.88 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity at its 1,000 MW Bikaner Solar Power Project in Rajasthan.With this addition, the project’s cumulative commissioned capacity has reached 629.90 MW, while the remaining capacity is expected to be operational soon, the company said in a filing to the stock exchanges.The project, developed through SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) — a wholly owned subsidiary of SJVN — achieved commercial operation of the new capacity on 30 September 2025.Once fully commissioned, the 1,000 MW Bikaner Solar Power..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Rs 5 Billion Flyover Planned To Ease ISBT Traffic Chaos

Delhi commuters may soon get long-awaited relief from the chronic traffic congestion near the Kashmiri Gate Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), as the government plans to construct a new flyover linking Nigambodh Ghat (near Margat Wale Baba) with Majnu Ka Tilla.Officials said the project is part of an ambitious plan to transform the Rajghat–Majnu Ka Tilla corridor into a red-light-free stretch, drastically reducing travel time between central and north Delhi.Traffic around ISBT is notoriously congested, with vehicles merging from five different directions, creating frequent bottlenecks. “The ..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Cabinet Clears Rs 69.6 Billion Project To Safeguard Kaziranga

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval for the four-laning of the Kaliabor–Numaligarh section of National Highway 715 in Assam, describing it as a decision that reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental sensitivity and commitment to protecting wildlife.The decision, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister, involves widening and upgrading the existing highway into a four-lane carriageway, including the implementation of wildlife-friendly measures along the Kaziranga National Park stretch.�..