India Boosts Critical Minerals Exploration, Sets Strategic Goals

26 Jul 2023 CW Team

"In Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, disclosed that during the initial four months of the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), the Geological Survey of India (GSI) took up a total of 122 critical minerals exploration projects. Over the past three years, the scientific agency had initiated 422 critical minerals exploration projects," said Joshi.

He further stated, "The Ministry of Mines has been prioritizing the exploration of these minerals across the nation through the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies."

The report highlighted that the number of exploration exercises reached a peak in FY23, with 123 projects being undertaken. However, this year's count of 122 ongoing projects is set to surpass the previous record significantly.

The government's focus on critical mineral exploration is aimed at bolstering its strategic resource security. Recently, the Union government unveiled its inaugural critical minerals list, which comprises 30 key minerals essential for the country's economic growth and technological advancement.

Among the listed minerals are 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and six platinum-group elements (PGE), each designated as critical based on their economic importance and limited availability in India's geological reserves. Notable minerals on the list include antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, phosphorus, potash, rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium, all considered vital to the Indian economy.

To handle tasks related to strategic minerals, the government established a joint venture named Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) in 2019. The venture includes three public-sector undertakings, namely the National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration Company, with a stake ratio of 40:30:30.

"The objective of KABIL is to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of critical and strategic nature, such as Lithium, Cobalt, and others, to ensure supply-side assurance," explained the minister. He added, "KABIL is actively engaged with countries like Argentina, Australia, etc., to acquire critical & strategic mineral assets."

In Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, disclosed that during the initial four months of the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), the Geological Survey of India (GSI) took up a total of 122 critical minerals exploration projects. Over the past three years, the scientific agency had initiated 422 critical minerals exploration projects, said Joshi. He further stated, The Ministry of Mines has been prioritizing the exploration of these minerals across the nation through the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies. The report highlighted that the number of exploration exercises reached a peak in FY23, with 123 projects being undertaken. However, this year's count of 122 ongoing projects is set to surpass the previous record significantly. The government's focus on critical mineral exploration is aimed at bolstering its strategic resource security. Recently, the Union government unveiled its inaugural critical minerals list, which comprises 30 key minerals essential for the country's economic growth and technological advancement. Among the listed minerals are 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and six platinum-group elements (PGE), each designated as critical based on their economic importance and limited availability in India's geological reserves. Notable minerals on the list include antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, phosphorus, potash, rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium, all considered vital to the Indian economy. To handle tasks related to strategic minerals, the government established a joint venture named Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) in 2019. The venture includes three public-sector undertakings, namely the National Aluminium Company, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration Company, with a stake ratio of 40:30:30. The objective of KABIL is to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets of critical and strategic nature, such as Lithium, Cobalt, and others, to ensure supply-side assurance, explained the minister. He added, KABIL is actively engaged with countries like Argentina, Australia, etc., to acquire critical & strategic mineral assets. See also: Mining Act tweak planned to push rare, critical mineral exploration Ministry of Mines announces record number of mineral blocks auctions

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..