New Delhi, Jan 10 (.) The Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 – a two-day national conference bringing together Central and state government leaders – concluded with a strong focus on strengthening India’s mining sector through sustainable practices and strategic initiatives, an official statement said here on Saturday.
The event emphasised the need for collaboration between the Centre and States to secure critical minerals, boost domestic capabilities, and support long-term resource security for the nation.
Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy underlined the mining industry’s importance as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.
He encouraged the effective use of District Mineral Foundation funds for the welfare of mining-affected communities, advocated robust mine closure planning and called for the timely auctioning of mineral blocks to ensure a steady growth trajectory.
Over the course of the Shivir, officials, policymakers and experts engaged in detailed discussions on key priorities that will shape the future of mining in India.
Among the central topics was the National Critical Mineral Mission, a framework designed to identify and develop India’s critical mineral resources, improve exploration efforts and strengthen the mining value chain from extraction to processing.
A major highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation by Vivek Kumar Bajpai, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines.
He outlined how the Mission will promote identification of critical minerals, streamline exploration and auction strategies and encourage value addition.
The presentation also underscored the importance of building resilient supply chains through partnerships with industry players and research institutions.
Another significant session featured Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General of the Indian Bureau of Mines, who spoke about innovations in recovering critical minerals from waste dumps and tailings.
He emphasised the potential of advanced technologies and circular mining approaches to augment mineral availability while reducing environmental impact.
Addressing the participants, the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, highlighted the urgency of operationalising mines efficiently to bolster the mining sector’s role in India’s growth story. He stressed the need for timely and accountable processes to accelerate mining activities in line with national developmental objectives.
The conference underscored a shared commitment to advancing mining reforms through cooperative federalism and forward-looking policies.
. SAS PRP