Page 142 - CW E-Magazine (28-1-2025)

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MINING MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE

Government to launch critical mineral mission

to boost production: Mines Minister

Union Mines Minister Mr. G. Kishan
Reddy said that the Central Government
will soon launch the National Critical
Mineral Mission (CMM) to enhance
domestic production, reduce import
dependence, and encourage offshore
mining auctions, while urging states to
accelerate the exploration and auctioning
of critical minerals while adhering to
sustainable mining practices.
He was speaking after the inaugurating
the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Con-
ference in Konark, in the presence of
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan
Majhi, Bihar’s Deputy CM Vijay Kumar
Sinha, Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti the fi fth tranche of Critical Mineral Block (MTS) at the conference. This cutting-
Vikramarka Mallu, and other dignitaries Auctions, offering 15 blocks across eight edge digital platform will streamline pro-
and industry leaders. states. These include essential minerals cesses, enhance transparency, and boost
like graphite, tungsten, rare earth elements effi ciency in the allocation and manage-
“The Mission announced in the Union (REE), and nickel. ment of mineral resources. They also
budget is shortly going to get cabinet ap- handed over sanction letters to 11 startups,
proval. It aims to increase domestic pro- Mr. Reddy also recognised the grow- selected for funding of Rs. 15.97 crore
duction, recycling, and overseas acquisi- ing potential of offshore mining, marking under S&T-PRISM Component of Science
tions of critical minerals. I appeal all states India’s fi rst offshore mineral auction in 75 and Technology Programme of Ministry
and private stakeholders to work hand-in- years. Addressing the conference, Odisha of Mines. These startups will focus on
hand with the Centre to achieve the goal,” CM Mohan Charan Majhi said the State, indigenous technologies, including sus-
Mr. Reddy said. known for its vast mineral resources, tainable solutions like high-grade silica
signifi cantly contributes to India’s indus- production, lithium battery materials, and
He also announced that India launched trial and economic growth. AI-enhanced mining operations.
the auction of 48 critical mineral blocks,
with 24 successfully allotted. The confer- Mr. Reddy and Mr. Majhi jointly They also presented awards for excel-
ence also marked the announcement of launched the Mining Tenement System lence in mineral block auctions.

CSIR-NCL contributes to the National Intellectual

Property Awareness Mission 2.0

The Intellectual Property Group of This programme aimed to enhance 2 and Tier 3 cities, including regions
CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory awareness and understanding of Intellec- like Leh-Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar
(NCL), in collaboration with the Indian tual Property (IP) and its pivotal role in Islands, and Lakshadweep, training over
Patent Offi ce, organised 113 events fostering innovation and progress while 10,000 participants. Benefi ciaries of this
across India during 2024, under the commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of initiative included institutions like IITs,
National Intellectual Property Awareness CSIR-NCL. The events spanned all 26 NITs and IISERs, besides schools across
Mission 2.0 (NIPAM). states of the country, with a focus on Tier the country.

142 Chemical Weekly January 28, 2025

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