**Hyderabad:** Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, announced that the Centre is working on new initiatives to involve public and private partnerships in mining exploration using advanced technology.
On Saturday, the Union Minister launched the Mineral Exploration Hackathon in Hyderabad. The event focused on Innovative Mineral Hunt Techniques and was attended by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, state government officials, and representatives from government organizations, industry, and startups.
During his speech, Kishan Reddy mentioned that the Centre is not only adopting new technologies for mineral exploration but also ensuring the welfare of people affected by mining activities. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes self-reliance in domestic mineral exploration is crucial for strengthening the country’s economy.
The Mines Ministry aims to achieve this by collaborating with the Centre, states, private entities, industry, and startups. Kishan Reddy highlighted that welfare in mining-affected areas and increasing clean energy are top priorities.
The country is developing rapidly, leading to a higher demand for minerals. Kishan Reddy stressed the importance of modern technology in mineral exploration. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has gathered Extensive Geological Data to aid this effort. Additionally, a National Mineral Exploration Trust has been formed to speed up mineral exploration, inviting private sector participation.
The GSI’s National Geo Science Data Depository provides baseline geo-science data. Efforts are underway to incorporate ‘Seismic Reflections and Electromagnetic Field testing’ to gather more accurate and advanced data for identifying mineral blocks.
Kishan Reddy noted that the GSI is paving new paths in mineral exploration. The Hackathon aims to introduce innovative mineral hunt techniques. He recalled challenges the mining sector faced before 2015, such as court cases on mining block allocation and lack of state participation.
Reforms began with the enactment of the MMDR Act in 2015 under PM Modi’s government. Since then, 373 mining blocks have been auctioned, and the Centre plans to auction 23 critical and strategic blocks in 2023.
The Centre has identified 10 new critical and strategic mineral blocks in Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
In 2015, 645 district mineral foundations were established in 23 states. These foundations play a crucial role in the development of the mineral sector and support welfare, medical care, education, skill development, and livelihood creation for populations impacted by mining activities.
