Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Acceleration of Lithium Exploration in J&K

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th August. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has called for an expedited exploration of lithium mineral reserves in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) during the Inter-Ministerial meeting of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) on Monday. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, focused on advancing the mining economy and addressing delays in exploration activities.

Dr. Singh emphasized the potential of lithium reserves in the Reasi district and the significant economic benefits they could bring to India’s mining sector. He stressed the need for fast-tracking exploration efforts and providing all necessary support to meet project deadlines. Singh also referenced delays in the Sapphire Park project in Kishtwar.

Union Secretary for Mining, V. L. Kanta Rao, assured that the lithium exploration will be expedited, with visible results expected within the next few months. Singh praised NMET for its record expenditure of nearly ₹300 crores in the last financial year on exploration activities and acknowledged its efforts in catalyzing mineral exploration through various schemes.

Highlighting the launch of the “Critical Mineral Mission,” Dr. Singh discussed the focus on domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical minerals. He supported the involvement of the private sector in mining and advocated for the adoption of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to foster startups and sustain employment in the sector. Singh also endorsed the use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance mining operations.

Addressing data sharing issues between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Singh assured Mining Minister G. Kishan Reddy of support from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in providing necessary reports to aid exploration.

Dr. Singh urged state government ministers to leverage NMET’s support for infrastructure development and funding for mineral exploration projects. He called for increased submission of exploration projects to make more mineral blocks available for auction.

The meeting was attended by various ministers and senior officials, including Satish Chandra Dubey, Balvantsinh Rajput, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Kollu Ravindra, and Jogen Mohan, among others.