Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Mines Ministry Directs 300 Critical Mineral Projects
The Mines Ministry in India has asked the Geological Survey of India to start 300 new projects to find important minerals.
These projects will help find and study minerals like lithium.
The ministry wants these projects to be approved continuously so that the work can be done without waiting every year.
They are also looking for mineral mines in other countries, like one they already have in Argentina for lithium.
The main challenge is to find minerals at a reasonable price.
The Mines Ministry has directed the Geological Survey of India to undertake 300 critical and strategic mineral exploration projects in 2026-27.
The projects will focus on mapping reserves, drilling, analysis, pitting, and trenching.
The GSI will complete its active field season within a year with continuous rolling approvals instead of annual approvals.
The ministry is exploring options for critical mineral mines in foreign countries, with an existing lithium mine in Argentina.
Pricing is a key issue in the exploration of critical minerals in foreign countries.
- Who
- Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Mines Ministry
- What
- 300 critical and strategic mineral exploration projects
- When
- 2026-27
- Where
- India and potentially foreign countries
- Why
- To focus on critical and strategic minerals and ensure continuous exploration
- Organization
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Projects
- 300 critical and strategic mineral exploration projects
- Fiscal Year
- 2026-27
- Approval Process
- Continuous rolling approvals instead of annual approvals
- Foreign Exploration
- Active discussions for critical mineral mines in foreign countries
- Existing Foreign Mine
- Lithium mine in Argentina
- Key Issue
- Pricing of critical minerals