TFP Bureau, New Delhi, August 12, 2024: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to expedite the exploration of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district during an Inter-Ministerial meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) held today. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, focused on accelerating the mining of lithium, a critical mineral essential for the development of various industries and the overall economic growth of India.
Dr. Singh, who also holds independent charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology, urged for swift action in the lithium exploration process, highlighting its potential to transform India’s mining economy. He stressed the importance of meeting exploration deadlines and called for all necessary support to be provided. Dr. Singh also raised concerns about the delayed Sapphire Park project in Kishtwar, urging that it too be fast-tracked.
Union Secretary of Mining, V.L. Kanta Rao, assured the Minister that the exploration of lithium would be expedited, with visible results expected within the next few months.
Dr. Singh congratulated NMET for its record expenditure of nearly ₹300 crores in the last financial year, which funded various exploration activities across the country. He also highlighted the recent launch of the “Critical Mineral Mission,” which focuses on domestic production, recycling, and the overseas acquisition of critical minerals, further underscoring NMET’s vital role in this mission.
In his remarks, Dr. Singh supported the adoption of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with early industry linkage, which he believes will foster the growth of startups in the mining sector, generate employment, and ensure sustainability. He also advocated for the use of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to enhance mining operations.
Dr. Singh urged State Government ministers present at the meeting to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by NMET, which offers 100% support for infrastructure development and funding for mineral exploration projects. He encouraged the submission of more mineral exploration projects to make additional mineral blocks available for auction.
The meeting was attended by various dignitaries, including Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, and several state ministers and senior officials from the ministries of coal and petroleum.
