Dr Jitendra calls for expediting J&K Lithium exploration in Inter-Ministerial meeting
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: In the 6th Governing Body meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the exploration of lithium deposits in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting the potential of these lithium reserves to significantly impact India’s mining economy and overall growth, Dr. Singh urged for fast-tracking exploration activities and ensuring all necessary support to meet project deadlines.
He also addressed the delay in the Sapphire Park project in Kishtwar, advocating for prompt action. Union Secretary Mining, V. L. Kanta Rao, assured Dr. Singh that the exploration work for lithium would be expedited, with results expected in the coming months. Dr. Singh praised NMET for its record expenditure of nearly Rs 300 crores on exploration activities in the last fiscal year and lauded the organization’s efforts in promoting critical mineral exploration.
Dr. Singh also introduced the “Critical Mineral Mission,” aimed at enhancing domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical minerals. He stressed NMET’s pivotal role in this mission, particularly in fostering private sector involvement and boosting morale in the mining sector.
Additionally, Dr. Singh discussed the importance of data sharing between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), urging the latter to provide crucial baseline survey reports to support exploration activities.
Dr. Singh advocated for adopting a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to encourage startups in the mining sector, creating employment opportunities and leveraging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). He urged state ministers to submit more mineral exploration projects to increase the number of available mineral blocks for auction.
The meeting was attended by key officials including G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, and other state ministers, who collectively discussed advancing mining sector initiatives.
