Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy Launched 2nd Tranche of Exploration Licence Blocks

• 2nd Tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) Blocks launched on 12 February 2026 by Union Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy at CSOI, New Delhi — comprises 11 critical & deep-seated mineral blocks across 8 States.
• EL is a new mineral concession introduced by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, allowing private players to undertake reconnaissance + prospecting (G4–G3 stages) of critical/deep-seated minerals via auction.
• Strategically targets import-substitution in critical minerals (Li, Co, Ni, REE, PGE, etc.) essential for EV, clean-energy, defence & semiconductor value chains — anchor for Viksit Bharat 2047 mineral self-reliance.