GSI Supercharges India’s Critical Mineral Hunt With 230 Projects In FY26

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has significantly intensified its exploration efforts for critical and strategic minerals, launching 230 projects in the fiscal year 2025-26, a notable increase from the 195 initiatives undertaken in the previous year. This ramp-up, announced by Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha on December 1, 2025, underscores the government's push to secure essential resources vital for emerging technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defence applications. Critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and graphite, are pivotal to India's self-reliance goals under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as global supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. GSI's nationwide surveys aim to map and delineate deposits, providing data for subsequent mining auctions and reducing import dependency, which currently stands at over 90% for several key minerals.

The expansion aligns with broader reforms in India's mining sector, including amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, which broaden the mandate of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) to fund overseas exploration and mining activities. In the last fiscal year, NMEDT approved 62 exploration projects, followed by 36 in 2025-26, channelling resources toward high-potential areas. To date, the Mines Ministry has successfully auctioned 34 blocks rich in critical minerals, alongside seven exploration licences, three of which target these vital resources. The introduction of the Exploration License (EL) regime for deep-seated minerals further incentivises private participation by allowing EL holders to receive a share of auction premiums from subsequent mining leases, fostering a collaborative ecosystem between public surveys and commercial ventures.

Kishan Reddy emphasised the strategic importance of these efforts, stating, "GSI carried out 195 critical mineral exploration projects in 2024-25 and 230 projects in 2025-26 across the country," highlighting the agency's role in building a robust mineral database. This data not only supports domestic production but also positions India as a potential global player in the critical minerals market, projected to reach $320 billion by 2030 according to industry estimates. Challenges persist, including environmental safeguards and technological hurdles in extracting deep deposits, yet the surge in projects signals a proactive stance amid international competition from nations like Australia and Canada.

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As India accelerates its green energy transition—targeting 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030—these explorations are expected to yield actionable insights within the next two years, potentially unlocking billions in economic value. With auctions gaining momentum and international collaborations on the horizon, GSI's intensified focus could mitigate supply risks, bolster manufacturing, and drive sustainable growth, ensuring the nation's mineral security in an era of technological disruption.

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