India’s mining roadmap for Viksit Bharat 2047 progressed with the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event, inaugurated by key leaders including Gujarat’s Chief Minister and Union Ministers, focused on sustainable mineral development and inter-departmental coordination. Discussions revolved around project implementation challenges and labor code reforms to strengthen governance in the mining sector. The second day is set to concentrate on the National Critical Mineral Mission, emphasizing the strategic identification and use of critical minerals for economic growth The inauguration of the Rashtriya Khanij Chintan.
Rashtriya Mandir Convention Centre
Shivir 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward becoming a global mining powerhouse. This three-day brainstorming summit, organized by the Ministry of Mines, has gathered policy makers, industry titans, and geological experts at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre. The primary objective is to align the mining sector with the ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, ensuring that India’s mineral wealth becomes a catalyst for self-reliance and sustainable industrial growth. By fostering a collaborative environment between the Central government and various state administrations, the Shivir aims to dismantle regulatory bottlenecks and fast-track.
The operationalization of mines across the country The event, inaugurated by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy alongside Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, emphasizes a “360-degree approach” to the mining ecosystem. A significant focus is placed on the National Critical (India) Mineral Mission, which seeks to secure a domestic supply of essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These minerals are the backbone of modern technology, including electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure. The discussions underscore the need for “Urban Mining,” a concept that involves extracting precious metals from electronic waste and industrial byproducts.
Generation Exploration Technologies
Thereby reducing our reliance on imports and promoting a circular economy Sustainability and technological innovation are the twin pillars of the deliberations at the Shivir. The Ministry of Mines is pushing for the adoption of next-generation exploration technologies and data-driven decision-making processes. There is a concerted effort to reduce the time lag between the auctioning of a mine and the commencement of operations. While it traditionally takes five to seven years to operationalize a mine, successful models like the nine-month turnaround in Assam are being highlighted as benchmarks for efficiency. This shift toward a more agile and transparent.
Regulatory framework is expected to attract significant private investment and enhance the sector’s contribution to India’s GDP Beyond exploration, the Shivir addresses the social and environmental facets of mining. Discussions regarding the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan (India) Yojana (PMKKKY) and the effective utilization of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds are central to ensuring that mining-affected communities share in the prosperity. By prioritizing the welfare of people living in mineral-rich areas and adhering to global environmental standards, the government aims to build a “future-ready” mining sector that is both socially responsible and ecologically sound.
Q1) What is Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shivir 2026?
It is India’s national-level conclave for strategic dialogue on minerals and mining, bringing policymakers, regulators, industry and experts together to shape the sector’s roadmap.
Q2) Where is the 2026 edition being held?
The event is being hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, a major administrative and investment hub.
Q3) Who participates in the Shivir?
Union and state governments, PSUs, private miners, technology providers, financial institutions, research bodies and sustainability experts.
Q4) What themes dominate the 2026 agenda?
Critical minerals security, exploration reforms, ESG, digital mining, safety, community development and downstream value addition.
Q5) Why does it matter for investors and industry?
The conclave signals policy direction, auction pipelines, and regulatory priorities that shape investment risk and opportunity.
