New Delhi, March 26 (IANS). The central government is emphasizing on accelerating the exploration of critical minerals, promoting startups in the mining sector and creating a strong domestic supply chain, so that dependence on imports can be reduced. Union Minister Jitendra Singh said this on Thursday.
Speaking at the meeting of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET), the Minister said that it is necessary to rapidly advance the exploration of critical minerals like lithium, as these are vital for new technologies.
He said that India is now working towards expanding the exploration of critical minerals on a large scale, creating a startup-based mining ecosystem and creating a strong domestic value chain, so that dependence on imports can be reduced.
The minister also said that India will have to adapt its mineral exploration activities to global demand and its strategic needs. Citing examples of the ongoing work in Siwana region of Rajasthan and Salal-Haimna block of Jammu and Kashmir, he said that such efforts will be extended to more areas.
The minister stressed that it is necessary to create a conducive environment for Indian companies and startups to enter this sector. Citing the example of the success of biotech startups, he said that similar institutional support and encouragement can promote new technologies and innovation in the mining sector too.
He also said that enhancing the capacity of private exploration agencies is necessary for the long-term development of the sector.
The government is also working on simplifying the approval process to reduce delays in projects. Special attention is being given to removing obstacles like forest clearance.
The minister said that only with better coordination between different departments the work will be able to progress faster.
He said that faster approvals, better procurement system and timely pre-exploration clearance will maintain the pace of mineral exploration.
The Minister further said that to reduce dependence on imports, it is necessary to develop the entire domestic supply chain, which also includes processing and value addition.
–IANS
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