Rajasthan is preparing a coordination agreement to speed up critical mineral exploration and mineral testing, bringing the state Mines Department, Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) into a closer working arrangement.
The proposed pact between GSI and RSMET was discussed at a mining-sector review chaired by Additional Chief Secretary for Mines and Petroleum Aparna Arora at the State Secretariat in Jaipur on September 17, 2026.
15-day deadline for pending lease registrations
Officials were instructed to coordinate with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and complete registration of all remaining quartz-feldspar leases within 15 days. The direction follows the reclassification of quartz-feldspar from a minor mineral to a major mineral.
The state also asked IBM to accelerate the sampling and analysis of quartz-feldspar. Blocks are to be taken up on priority for G3-level exploration in line with central government directions.
The review also called for a stronger mining surveillance system. No separate rollout schedule or technical details for the surveillance upgrade were announced.
Research proposed for leftover mineral material
Arora said research and development should be carried out on material left after critical minerals are extracted. The aim is to determine whether it can be disposed of scientifically or whether recoverable minerals remain in the waste.
This work forms part of a broader push to improve the use of Rajasthan's mineral resources, accelerate exploration, restart activity at non-operational mines and create additional employment and revenue opportunities.
- Planned: a cooperation agreement between GSI and RSMET.
- Deadline: pending quartz-feldspar lease registrations within 15 days.
- Priority: quicker sampling, analysis and G3 exploration of quartz-feldspar blocks.
30-day timeline for mining-plan approvals
IBM Udaipur Controller Abhay Agarwal said mining plans submitted by major-mineral leaseholders were being taken up on priority. The central government has set a 30-day timeframe for mining-plan approvals.
Agarwal also highlighted coordination between central and state mining authorities and organisations working in Rajasthan. The Jaipur review brought together senior officials from IBM, GSI and the state Mines Department to examine exploration, approvals and ways to improve sector revenue.
Special Secretary for Mines Namrata Vrishni and Director of Mines Mahaveer Prasad Meena were among the officials at the meeting. The next key step is the proposed GSI-RSMET agreement, while the lease-registration drive carries the most immediate deadline.
