In a move to boost India’s mining sector, the Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, has launched India’s first-ever auction of Exploration Licences. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, and Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, unveiled the initiative at a landmark event in Goa.

The auction will focus on 13 Exploration Licence blocks, covering critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements, Zinc, Copper, and Diamond. This transparent, online bidding process aims to accelerate systematic exploration and reduce India’s dependence on mineral imports.

The event also featured the inauguration of the AI Hackathon 2025, which will explore mineral targeting through artificial intelligence. In a move to encourage private sector involvement, three private exploration agencies were awarded certificates during the event.