New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines is set to launch the second tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) block auctions on February 12 at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), New Delhi. The event will be attended by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, senior ministry officials, and representatives from state governments, industry, and other stakeholders. This launch marks a key step in India’s ongoing efforts to boost mineral exploration and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals.
Next-Generation GSI Digital Portal to Be Unveiled
During the event, the Ministry will also unveil the Next Generation Digital Portal of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The cloud-enabled platform integrates data acquisition, analysis, visualization, and dissemination, bringing all geoscientific datasets together in one interface.
Equipped with AI/ML tools and interoperable with the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR), the portal aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in India’s mineral exploration ecosystem.
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Roadshows to Guide Stakeholders
To familiarize stakeholders with the EL framework, the Ministry has planned a comprehensive roadshow program. The sessions will cover:
- E-auction process through the MSTC portal
- Auction rules and methodology
- National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) scheme, offering partial reimbursement of eligible exploration expenditure
- Open house sessions to address queries and gather stakeholder suggestions
These initiatives aim to ensure smooth participation and clarity for explorers under the EL auction mechanism.
Building on First Tranche Success
The second tranche builds on the success of the first round of EL auctions, launched on March 13, 2025, in Goa by Minister Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The first tranche included 13 EL blocks targeting critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements (REE), Zinc, Diamond, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (PGE).
The EL auctions are part of broader reforms by the Ministry of Mines to accelerate exploration, attract investment, and secure domestic supply chains for strategic and critical minerals.
