Geological Survey Of India Plans 300 Critical Mineral Projects In Coming Year

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plans to step up its push into critical minerals by launching exploration projects. GSI will take 300 exploration projects in the upcoming field season 2026-27, according to Director General Asit Saha.

The number marks an increase from 236 projects in the current season. It has already drawn up plans, and work is to commence shortly.

What Is The Focus?

The move to take up 300 critical mineral exploration projects reflects a broader effort to strengthen India’s mineral security and support strategic industries. The GSI will focus on:

1. Strong Focus On Rare Earth Elements

Among the suggested 300 projects, there will be close to 125 to 150 projects on rare earth elements. The minerals are critical to the clean energy technologies, electronics, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing systems.

2. Alignment With National Critical Minerals Mission

The growth will go hand in hand with the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), according to which GSI will accomplish 1,200 critical mineral exploration projects by FY31.

Between 2020-21 and 2025-26, the agency has already completed 858 projects, placing it well ahead of pace.

Officials have indicated that the goal is to identify and prepare as many viable mineral blocks as possible for auction.

3. Separate Push For Copper

In addition to the 300 projects, GSI plans to undertake another 50–60 exploration projects for copper in the 2026-27 field season.

Copper, though classified separately, remains strategically important for power infrastructure, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

4. Different Strategy For Lithium And Nickel

On lithium and nickel, the GSI chief said mining these minerals would require a different strategic approach, especially in light of limited investor interest in certain discovered reserves.

5. Exploring Opportunities Overseas

The agency is also exploring the feasibility of undertaking copper exploration in Zambia, signalling a possible overseas expansion to secure access to critical resources.

Why Is Processing As Important As Exploration?

Rare-earth deposits are being explored not just in coastal sands but also in inland rock formations, such as carbonatite and alkali rocks. Key areas include parts of Assam, Gujarat’s Ambadongar region and Rajasthan’s Sivana belt.

Alongside exploration, the agency has highlighted the need to strengthen midstream processing. This is the stage at which ore is refined into usable industrial materials. Without adequate processing capacity, mineral discoveries may not translate into supply security.

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What Does This Mean For Investors?

From a market standpoint, this is a long-term structural positive rather than an immediate earnings trigger. The growth in exploration supports India's drive to gain critical minerals required in EVs, renewables and high-tech manufacturing.

In the case of mining and metals stocks, it may steadily broaden its assets of auctionable property. But the actual market effect will be determined by the speed with which discoveries are turned into commercial production and the ability to process.

However, the pace at which discoveries translate into commercially viable production and processing capacity will remain the key factor to watch.

Sources:

The Hindu

The Hindu Business Line

PIB