Exploration of critical minerals is currently underway in Mizoram and Assam, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy informed on August 21. In an interview with ANI, the Minister added that the government will consult with the Northeastern states. Acknowledging the presence of region-specific legal frameworks, Reddy said that the Centre will consult with the northeastern states to explore the scope of extraction of critical minerals in these states.
“Arunachal Pradesh has been brought into the auction regime in the coal sector for the first time… In Mizoram and Assam, too, exploration on critical minerals is ongoing… There are different Acts in the northeast, so we will speak with them and then attempt mining after discussion,” the Union Minister told ANI. Talking about the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025, passed by Parliament, Reddy said the government is pursuing reforms in the mining sector to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen domestic capability.
The Union Minister added, “The Mines and Minerals Bill is a major reform in the Mining Sector, especially in critical minerals and coal. We are bringing in reforms continuously. Six amendments were brought in for further reforms. In the days to come, we are working towards amending the entire MMDR (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act… There would be fair sales in the days to come. Critical minerals are required for national security and development – from cellphones to aeroplanes… They are needed in every sector.”
