Centre aims to reduce mineral import dependence: G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy day said the Centre will soon launch the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependence, and encourage offshore mining auctions while urging states to cooperate for sustained mining activities. Speaking at the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference yesterday in Konark, Odisha, he said lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements are known as critical minerals, which are essential for manufacturing defense equipment and key technologies. 

The Minister said India has already made its



place on the global platform for critical minerals, and the Coal and Mines Ministry wants both the public and private sectors to work in tandem in this regard. Mr. Reddy also announced that India had launched the auction of 48 critical mineral blocks, with 24 successfully allotted. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, and mines ministers from several other states, along with senior officials of the Centre, are attending the two-day conference that commenced today.