National Mining Conference begins in Goa; Centre, states to discuss sector reforms

Panaji: The two-day National Conference on Mining begins in South Goa on Thursday, bringing together the Centre and state governments to deliberate on policy reforms, emerging challenges and measures to strengthen India’s mining and coal sectors.

Follow The PSUWatch Channel on Whatsapp

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, who arrived in Goa on Wednesday evening to attend the conference, said the discussions would focus on improving mineral governance, enhancing transparency and unlocking the sector’s growth potential.

“Over the two days, the conference will bring together the Centre and states for focused deliberations on key reforms, emerging challenges and ways to strengthen the mining and coal sectors,” Reddy wrote on X on Wednesday evening.

A major highlight of the conference will be the launch of the ninth tranche of critical mineral block auctions and the third tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks, according to the organisers.

The ninth round of auctions, conducted by the Ministry of Mines, aims to facilitate private sector participation in the exploration and development of critical mineral resources. These minerals are essential for strategic industries, including renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing and defence.

The third tranche of EL blocks will offer additional mineral-bearing areas for exploration through competitive bidding, supporting the government’s efforts to accelerate mineral discoveries and strengthen domestic resource availability.

The conference will also see the launch of digital initiatives aimed at improving mineral administration, strengthening regulatory oversight and promoting greater transparency in the sector.

Discussions with state governments will focus on accelerating reforms, addressing implementation challenges and improving coordination between the Centre and states to facilitate mineral exploration and mining activities.

Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN

“Looking forward to meaningful deliberations and collaborative efforts towards building a stronger, more efficient and future-ready mining and coal sector,” the minister said.

The conference comes amid the government’s broader push to expand domestic mineral exploration, reduce import dependence on strategically important minerals and attract greater investment into India’s mining sector.

(PSU Watch is India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy. 👉 Click to join our channel now: PSUWatch WhatsApp Channel. Prefer LinkedIn? Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN. Click to stay connected on Twitter here and stay updated.)