कथन

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) the details of the initiatives taken to include critical minerals in achieving net zero and self sufficiency in energy; 11.02.2026 295 (b) the details of the initiatives being taken to recover minerals and metals from e-waste under the National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, 2020; (c) the details of the apprenticeship, upskilling and training initiatives to boost human capital in mining sector; (d) the overview of major MoUs and initiatives taken [Business to Business (B2B) and Government to Government (G2G)] in areas like Latin America and Africa for extraction of rare earth minerals; (e) whether adequate environmental safeguards are being taken while plans for extracting rare earth minerals are made, in India and abroad and if so, the details thereof; and (f) the steps taken to empower the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to accelerate mineral security? THE MINISTER OF COAL; AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY): (a) and (b): The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on 29.01.2025 with the objective to secure India's critical mineral supply chain and strengthen critical mineral value chains for achieving self-sufficiency and net zero targets. The details of various initiatives under this Mission, inter-alia, includes the following:  Geological Survey of India (GSI) has intensified exploration of critical 11.02.2026 296 minerals. GSI carried out 195 critical mineral exploration projects in 2024- 25, and took up 230 projects in 2025-26 across the country. Additionally, National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) has sanctioned 62 projects for exploration of critical minerals during 2024-25 and 60 projects during 2025-26 (till date).  The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act), 1957 has been amended in 2025 vide which the scope of NMEDT has been expanded to support critical mineral exploration and mining overseas.  The Central Government has successfully auctioned 46 blocks of critical minerals.  The Central Government has successfully auctioned 7 blocks of Exploration License, out of which 3 are critical mineral blocks.  The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to promote critical mineral recycling from e-waste, spent lithium ion batteries and other waste. The Scheme Guidelines were issued and the Scheme launched on 02.10.2025.  Guidelines for funding pilot projects for the recovery of critical minerals from overburden/ tailings/ fly ash/ red mud, etc. have been issued on 14.11.2025. 11.02.2026 297  The Government has recognised nine premier institutes as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the NCMM to carry out research & development (R&D) for strengthening domestic capabilities in the critical mineral value chain. (c): To boost human capital in the mining sector, 1,313 apprentices were engaged during 2024-25 by the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Mines. (d): To foster cooperation in the field of geology and mineral resources which include rare earth minerals, the Ministry of Mines has signed MoUs with various countries such as Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Mozambique, Malawi and Cote D’Ivoire. (e): Before grant of mineral concessions including for rare earth minerals, it is mandatory to obtain the requisite statutory clearances from various departments of the Central Government and respective State Governments, including Environmental Clearance. As part of grant of Environmental Clearance, the prospective lessees carry out Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and submit the Environment Management Plan (EMP) based on scientific study by taking into consideration likely impact of project activity on the baseline environment. The mining lease holders implement the environmental mitigation measures as approved during grant of Environmental Clearance. (f): The steps taken to enable Geological Survey of India (GSI) to promote 11.02.2026 298 mineral security include adoption of mineral discovery projects viz. Advanced Geophysical (National Geophysical Mapping, National Aero-Geophysical Mapping, drone based geophysical mapping) & Geochemical Mapping Programmes; innovative survey techniques (Magneto Telluric survey, Multispectral/ Hyperspectral mapping, etc.); and advanced data processing and integration (Regional Mineral Targeting, 3D predictive modelling, Mineral Prospectivity Mapping using AI/ ML, etc.). FUNDS UNDER NESIDS 1878. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

वक्ता Jagdambika Pal

कब कहा 2026-02-11T00:00:00.000Z

किस वाद-विवाद में Papers laid on the Table of the house by Ministers/Members