New Delhi, Feb 15 (UNI) Union Minister of State (MoS) for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey and Sri Lanka's Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti on Saturday discussed bilateral cooperation in mineral exploration and mining, particularly in securing critical minerals essential for economic and industrial growth.
"A key focus was placed on Sri Lanka’s vast graphite and beach sand mineral resources, which hold immense potential in supporting the global shift towards clean energy, advanced battery technologies, and high-tech industries," an official statement said.
During the meeting, both leaders acknowledged the importance of strengthening collaboration in mineral exploration and mining opportunities for Indian companies in Sri Lanka.
MoS Dubey emphasized during the meeting that India's National Critical Mineral Mission is aimed at securing a steady supply of essential raw materials like lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and copper to meet the country’s ambitious renewable energy target.
As per the statement, Dubey also stated that India is actively working towards granting mining rights for critical minerals, forging international partnerships, and encouraging Indian companies to acquire mineral assets globally.
"Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on exploration opportunities, technological collaboration, and investment prospects in these sectors. The possibility of mineral exploration on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis was also discussed, with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) expressing its interest in conducting mineral assessments in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, Sri Lanka requested India to encourage Indian companies to participate in the exploration and development of its beach sand and graphite resources," the statement said.
India and Sri Lanka are in the process of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Cooperation in the Field of Geology and Mineral Resources” to provide a strong framework for deepening collaboration in capacity building, mining exploration, and advanced mineral processing.
UNI NK CS1605