By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The Ministry of Mines on Wednesday organized a pivotal Chintan Shivir at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the esteemed presence of Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy; Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey; and Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao. The event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and experts to discuss transformative strategies for the mining sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local manufacturing.
In his address, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for achieving self-reliance in critical minerals, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector, describing them as one family working together to achieve annual targets and propel India towards becoming a developed nation. “Unity and determination will transform milestones into achievements. Let us join hands to build a stronger, self-reliant India,” he said.
Union Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey underscored the importance of integrating modern technologies and industry expertise into research initiatives. He highlighted how these efforts would enhance operational efficiency and promote environmental sustainability, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
One key session at the Shivir focused on encouraging private sector participation by expanding access to geo-scientific data. The dialogue highlighted the importance of democratising this data to facilitate exploration activities and foster innovation. The Ministry aims to attract private investment and enhance the efficiency of mineral exploration through this initiative.
The Second Session centred on adopting a circular economy within the mining sector. Industry leaders and experts deliberated on sustainable practices to minimise waste, optimise resource use, and reduce the environmental impact of mining. The discussions reinforced the necessity of transitioning to eco-friendly models for long-term ecological balance and economic growth.
The event also explored strategies to develop a robust local ecosystem for mining equipment manufacturing. Participants emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependency on imports and boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative. These efforts are expected to generate jobs, enhance technological advancements, and promote self-reliance in the mining sector.
During the event, Union Ministers Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Shri Satish Chandra Dubey launched the Annual Capacity Building Program (ACBP) Training Calendar 2025, an initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of Ministry of Mines officials and field offices. They also handed over administrative approval letters for 18 research and development projects under the Science and Technology Program, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and research in the mining sector.
As part of its commitment to boosting India’s mining sector, a session on how to increase mineral production and accelerate the operationalization of mineral blocks took place. During the discussions, special focus was placed on simplifying regulatory processes, enhanceing exploration capabilities, and leveraging advanced technologies to unlock the full potential of India’s mineral resources.
The Chintan Shivir concluded with acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of all participants. The insights and recommendations from the discussions are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s mining sector, aligning with the government’s vision of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
