Guwahati: Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy has said that exploration of critical minerals is currently underway in the northeastern states of Mizoram and Assam.
“Arunachal Pradesh has been brought into the auction regime in the coal sector for the first time… In Mizoram and Assam, too, exploration on critical minerals is ongoing… There are different Acts in the northeast, so we will speak with them and then attempt mining after discussion,” Reddy said in an interview to ANI.
On the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025 passed by Parliament, Reddy said the government is pursuing reforms in the mining sector to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen domestic capability.
The Union Minister added, “The Mines and Minerals Bill is a major reform in the mining sector, especially in critical minerals and coal. We are bringing in reforms continuously. Six amendments were brought in for further reforms. In the days to come, we are working towards amending the entire MMDR (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act… There would be fair sales in the days to come. Critical minerals are required for national security and development – from cellphones to aeroplanes…They are needed in every sector.”
Reddy stressed that India cannot afford prolonged import dependence, particularly when foreign suppliers are creating barriers.
“We are dependent on foreign countries as of now, but different countries have created hurdles now. So, we are trying to bring in Aatamanirbharta in this sector,” Reddy said.
ALSO READ: Mizoram approves expansion of CM’s Rubber Mission on additional 173 hectares of land
According to Geological Survey of India (GSI) data, the northeast has already seen 108 exploration projects in the past five years, with 23 still active in 2022–23. Nationally, GSI is running over 1,200 exploration projects for the period FY 2024–25 to 2030–31, aimed at stepping up discoveries in critical minerals.
