NEW DELHI: Coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday launched the second round of auctions for exploration licences covering 11 blocks of critical and deep-seated minerals across eight states. The licences will allow exploration of rare earth minerals in Telangana, Rajasthan and Odisha, along with diamond, vanadium, titanium and other minerals in additional states.The minister said the second tranche builds on the strong response to the first round, deepening private sector participation under the new exploration regime and promoting technologically advanced exploration practices. He also launched the Geological Survey of India’s Next-Generation Portal — a cloud-enabled platform integrating data acquisition, analysis, visualisation and dissemination.As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Reddy said resilient supply chains are essential for strategic security and underscored the country’s push to reduce import dependence and achieve mineral self-reliance under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.“India is working to reduce import dependence and achieve mineral self-reliance in line with the Viksit Bharat vision,” the minister said, highlighting mining sector reforms aimed at building a robust exploration ecosystem.He also referred to the expanded scope of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust and a “whole-of-govt” approach to strengthening exploration, data integration, data-driven decision-making and systematic identification of mineral prospects. Union Budget 2026: Odisha, Kerala, Andhra, Tamil Nadu To Get Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Symbols Of British Empire’: PM Modi On North & South Block In 1st Address From Seva Teerth’Umar Bhar Yahi Bhool’: Yogi Adityanath Quotes Mirza Ghalib In UP Assembly To Target SP’s RecordBNP Demands Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition From India After Bangladesh Poll WinCongress Demands Union Minister Hardeep Puri Resignation Over Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Links RowPM Modi Speaks To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman, Congratulates On ‘Remarkable’ Bangladesh Poll Win6-Year-Old Dead, 5 Injured As Speeding Car Hits Pedestrians On Busy Lucknow Road; CCTV Shows HorrorKiren Rijiju Explains Why Modi Govt Paused Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi After Dubey’s MoveTarique Rahman’s BNP Heads For Landslide In Bangladesh Election, Rivals Cry FoulPM Modi Unveils Seva Teerth, A New PMO Hub Marking Governance Shift In National Capital DelhiRafale To Be Built In India For The First Time Outside France After DAC Nod For 114 Fighter Jets123Photostories5 national parks in India that are excellent for birdwatchingTop 5 real estate hotspots in Noida to watch in 2026Seva Teerth opens doors: PM Modi launches new PMO complex in New Delhi – see picsAbs don’t equal healthy arteries: Doctor explains why appearance isn’t a health report card5 key features that make adventure bikes perfect for long-distance touring5 ways to remove pesticides from grapes and strawberries, tips for storage, and easy dishesFrom built-in air conditioners to radar ears: 5 animals with the weirdest ears and how they use themValentine’s Day 2026: 7 romantic red cocktails for Valentine’s Day celebrationFrom Titan Arum to Bulbophyllum Phalaenopsis: 7 worst smelling flowers of the worldDid you know Shahid Kapoor was rejected 100 times before his debut in ‘Ishq Vishk’? 6 lesser-known facts about ‘O Romeo’ actor123Hot PicksIT Stocks CrashGold Silver PricesBangladesh Election ResultsTelangana Municipal Elections ResultsIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMarvel Rivals Season 6.5 Release dateErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy
NEW DELHI: Coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday launched the second round of auctions for exploration licences covering 11 blocks of critical and deep-seated minerals across eight states. The licences will allow exploration of rare earth minerals in Telangana, Rajasthan and Odisha, along with diamond, vanadium, titanium and other minerals in additional states.The minister said the second tranche builds on the strong response to the first round, deepening private sector participation under the new exploration regime and promoting technologically advanced exploration practices. He also launched the Geological Survey of India’s Next-Generation Portal — a cloud-enabled platform integrating data acquisition, analysis, visualisation and dissemination.As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Reddy said resilient supply chains are essential for strategic security and underscored the country’s push to reduce import dependence and achieve mineral self-reliance under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.“India is working to reduce import dependence and achieve mineral self-reliance in line with the Viksit Bharat vision,” the minister said, highlighting mining sector reforms aimed at building a robust exploration ecosystem.He also referred to the expanded scope of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust and a “whole-of-govt” approach to strengthening exploration, data integration, data-driven decision-making and systematic identification of mineral prospects.