New Delhi, Delhi, 25th of March 2026 : Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy chaired the 7th Governing Body meeting of the National Mineral Exploration & Development Trust (NMEDT), held at GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi, in the august presence of Minister of State for the Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Jitendra Singh the performance of NMEDT for FY 2025–26 was reviewed in detail.
Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized that NMEDT must place a major strategic focus on exploration of critical minerals, as achieving Aatmanirbharta in this sector is essential for India’s economic growth, energy transition and technological advancement. He directed all States to expedite ongoing exploration projects, ensure faster approvals and improve coordination so that exploration-to-auction timelines are significantly reduced.
He further highlighted the need to adopt advanced technologies, including AI/ML, drone-based surveys and modern beneficiation techniques, to enhance efficiency and success rates in mineral discovery. The Minister also stressed on greater inclusion of startups, private exploration agencies (NPEAs) and innovation-driven institutions, in line with the vision of Startup India, to bring new ideas and cutting-edge solutions into the exploration ecosystem.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for the Department of Atomic Energy underscored the importance of strong coordination, continuous monitoring and effective follow-up mechanisms to ensure timely execution of exploration projects. He emphasized the need to integrate scientific institutions, and leverage advanced technologies into the mineral exploration value chain to accelerate outcomes.
The key achievements of NMEDT discussed during the meeting are:-
Expansion of Mandate
As part of the reforms introduced through the amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in 2025, the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has been renamed as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) with effect from 1 September 2025. The contribution by lessees has increased from 2% to 3% of the royalty to strengthen financial support for exploration activities.
The scope of NMEDT has also been expanded to include funding exploration in offshore areas in India and exploration activities & mine development within & outside India.
Launch of National Critical Mineral Mission Funding Initiatives under NCMM
NMEDT have issued guidelines for funding pilot projects for the recovery of critical minerals from overburden, tailings, fly ash, red mud, etc. on 14.11.2025. It will provide funding support of up to ₹20 crore per project, with a minimum 10% contribution from industry partners.
A pilot project has been sanctioned to the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) for establishment of pilot line for Rare Earth Minerals separation from multiple feedstocks.
Sustainable Mining & Resource Efficiency Initiatives
NMEDT is supporting special studies for identification of critical minerals through geochemical analysis of samples from mine faces, dumps, tailings, residues and slags. Financial assistance is being provided to the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) to evaluate recovery potential.
These initiatives align with the National Tailings Policy, 2025 and promote sustainability, resource efficiency and circular use of minerals.
Technology Modernisation in Exploration
NMEDT is promoting advanced exploration technologies such as drone-based surveys, AI/ML applications and modern beneficiation techniques to improve data accuracy and discovery success rates, thereby modernizing India’s mineral exploration ecosystem.
Enhanced Financial Support for Exploration
A total of 76 projects for critical mineral exploration have been sanctioned during FY 2025–26. So far, 45 NMEDT-funded blocks have been auctioned, including 10 blocks of critical minerals. There has also been a significant increase in private sector participation through several facilitating initiatives.
These reforms collectively aim to strengthen India’s mineral exploration framework, ensure availability of critical minerals, accelerate project execution, promote private and startup participation, adopt modern technologies and advance sustainable mineral development in the country.
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