Hyderabad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy has stressed the need to intensify the exploration of rare-earth elements and critical minerals to strengthen India’s mineral security and reduce dependence on other countries. Along with Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, he on Tuesday inaugurated three major facilities at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) at Bandlaguda-Nagole in Hyderabad. The facilities include the International Hostel (Nalanda and Takshashila), Advanced Geophysical Data Processing Laboratory and Digital Studio.Following the inauguration, the leaders inspected the facilities and reviewed the infrastructure developed to strengthen the institute’s training, research and capacity-building activities.

Addressing the gathering, Kishan Reddy highlighted the crucial role of the minerals and mining sector in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. Recalling the Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) 176-year legacy and its contribution to geological surveys, he emphasised the importance of the National Critical Mineral Mission. He called for accelerating exploration, particularly in areas with potential critical mineral deposits, and deploying dedicated teams to expedite surveys and ensure timely preparation and auction of mineral blocks. Referring to exploration activities across the country, including the Siwana Ring Complex in Rajasthan, he stressed the need to focus on heavy rare-earth elements and other critical minerals.