Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy chaired the Seminar on the Centre of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission in Hyderabad. The Minister outlined the government’s vision for promoting mineral self-reliance, attracting investment, and advancing technological capabilities in the sector. He highlighted the steps taken to accelerate exploration, reduce import dependence, and create a robust ecosystem for critical minerals that are vital for defense, electronics, and renewable energy sectors. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and a whole-of-government approach to ensure sustainable growth in the mineral sector.

As part of the Seminar, detailed deliberations were held on strengthening research and development in critical minerals through the recognized Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and their associated industry, academic, and R&D partners under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM). Heads of the seven CoEs — IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Roorkee, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar, CSIR-NML Jamshedpur, and NFTDC Hyderabad — presented their ongoing research, innovations, and translational efforts in the field of critical raw materials, while industry representatives shared their priorities, potential support mechanisms, and frameworks for deeper R&D engagement.

The seminar featured four technical sessions, which outlined a well-defined R&D roadmap for advancing indigenous technologies in the efficient processing and refining of critical minerals The sessions focused on institutionalizing CoEs through governance and hub-and-spoke coordination; identifying industry priorities and enhancing participation in R&D projects; advancing big-ticket translational R&D initiatives to scale innovations up to TRL 7/8 pilot plants and pre-commercial demonstrations; and aligning the CoEs’ R&D agenda with the requirements of India’s strategic sectors.

The deliberations underscored the importance of a whole-of-government approach, close collaboration between CoEs and their spokes, and active participation from industry to accelerate innovation, reduce import dependence, and build domestic capacity in critical minerals. The outcomes of the Seminar have laid a strong foundation for collaborative action under NCMM and will serve as a roadmap for positioning India as a global leader in critical minerals research, processing, and technology innovation.

During the event, the Minister released the CEEW report “Making India a Hub for Critical Minerals Processing” along with a roadmap booklet for enhancing domestic processing capabilities. Shri Shakil Alam, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Mines, and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, provided insights on academia-industry collaboration. Awards were presented to Centres of Excellence for their contribution to research and capacity building. Shri Reddy also announced that from tomorrow onwards, a uniform welfare framework will be implemented across all Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the Ministry, covering all regular mining employees under a ₹1 crore insurance scheme to ensure safety, dignity, and social security.

The Minister also launched the 6th tranche of auction comprising 23 blocks — 19 Composite Licence (CL) and 4 Mining Lease (ML) blocks — across 13 states. These blocks, spread across Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, host minerals crucial for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and strategic sectors. Key minerals include Rare Earth Elements (REE), Niobium, Tantalum, Caesium, Tungsten, Lithium, Tin, Graphite, Vanadium, Cobalt, Titanium, Gallium, Zirconium, Rock Phosphate, Potash, and other rare metals. The sale of tender documents will start on 23rd September 2025 and end on 24th November 2025 (by 17:00 hrs IST), while the last date for submission of bids is 1st December 2025 (by 17:00 hrs IST). More details are available at https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/. The Ministry of Mines has completed five tranches covering 55 blocks, with 34 successfully auctioned so far. The revenue generated from these auctions will accrue to the respective State Governments.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy also announced the Preferred Bidders for the 1st Tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks and facilitated interactions with stakeholders. The event marked the successful completion of India’s first auction of EL blocks for deep-seated minerals like Lithium, Copper, Gold, and Rare Earth Elements. Of the 13 blocks issued for bidding, 7 advanced to the second round, covering states such as Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The initiative encourages private sector participation in exploration, supporting green technologies, energy transition, and high-tech industries while sharing auction revenues.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to creating a transparent, investor-friendly environment, fostering research-driven innovation, and building a self-reliant mineral ecosystem aligned with India’s strategic goals. The Ministry extended its gratitude to all stakeholders for their participation and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing India’s critical mineral sector.

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Shuhaib T/ Durgesh Kumar

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