The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, has implemented various strategies to enhance mineral exploration in line with the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP). These initiatives aim to identify new mineral-rich regions and expand exploration activities across the country.

As part of the National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM) program, GSI has surveyed 21.39 lakh sq. km in priority areas to detect elemental concentrations. Under the National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM) program, 16.84 lakh sq. km has been mapped. Additionally, the National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP) was launched to acquire aero-geophysical data at an 80-meter height and 120-meter spacing in soil-covered terrains. Surveying under NAGMP has been completed in seven blocks, identifying 322 anomaly areas.

GSI has intensified its mineral exploration programs, focusing on critical and strategic minerals. Between 2016-17 and 2023-24, a total of 2,169 exploration programs were undertaken, including 704 projects on critical and strategic minerals. For 2024-25, 437 exploration programs are planned, with 195 dedicated to critical and strategic minerals.

Systematic mapping of 20.43 lakh sq. km within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has been completed, leading to the identification of 5.89 lakh Offshore Prospective Areas (OPA) for mineral exploration, including heavy minerals, polymetallic nodules, and construction sand. Preliminary surveys (G4) and close-grid exploration (G3) are being conducted in these areas to enhance offshore mineral resource potential.

Significant mineral blocks discovered include rare earth elements (REE) in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Karnataka, tungsten and lithium in Rajasthan, nickel in Karnataka, and vanadium and graphite in Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. Other key discoveries include copper and gold in Karnataka, potash in Rajasthan, phosphorite in Chhattisgarh, and iron ore in Odisha.

Under the MMDR Amendment Acts of 2021 and 2023, provisions have been introduced to facilitate private sector participation in exploration. Accredited private exploration agencies can now conduct exploration without a prospecting license and receive funding under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). Additionally, an Exploration Licence (EL) has been introduced for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals.

The Ministry of Mines has notified 31 private exploration agencies (NPEAs), and NMET has funded 72 projects with a total approved cost of Rs 1.22 billion. A mobilization advance of up to 30 per cent of the project cost is available against a bank guarantee. NMET also provides partial reimbursement of exploration expenses, covering up to 50 per cent of direct costs for EL holders (Rs 200 million cap) and composite license holders (Rs 80 million cap). Additionally, NMET offers a 25 per cemt exploration incentive for G4 projects in greenfield areas that advance to G3 stage.

News source: PIB