Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Acceleration of Lithium Exploration in J&K at NMET Meeting

Dr. Singh praised NMET for its record expenditure of nearly ₹300 crores last financial year on exploration activities and emphasized NMET’s commitment to catalyzing exploration through various schemes.

At today's Inter-Ministerial meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the urgent need to expedite lithium exploration in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The meeting, chaired by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, focused on accelerating exploration efforts for lithium in Reasi district, which could significantly impact India's mining economy and overall economic growth.

Dr. Singh highlighted the critical importance of fast-tracking exploration activities and ensuring all necessary support to meet deadlines. He also addressed the delays in the Sapphire Park project in Kishtwar. Union Secretary Mining, V. L. Kanta Rao, assured that lithium exploration would be expedited, with visible results expected in the coming months.

Dr. Singh praised NMET for its record expenditure of nearly ₹300 crores last financial year on exploration activities and emphasized NMET’s commitment to catalyzing exploration through various schemes. He also highlighted the launch of the "Critical Mineral Mission," which aims to enhance domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical minerals.

Dr. Singh emphasized that NMET will play a crucial role in the Critical Mineral Mission, promoting critical mineral exploration and involving the private sector to boost morale and motivation in the mining sector. He called for improved data sharing between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) to support exploration activities.

The Minister also endorsed the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the mining sector. He urged State Government ministers to leverage the opportunities provided by NMET for infrastructure development and funding, and to submit more exploration projects to increase the number of mineral blocks available for auction.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal & Mines, and ministers from Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam, among others.