India Plans to Operationalise Up to 60 Mines in FY27 to Boost Mineral Security and Domestic Production

New Delhi: India is set to significantly expand its mining sector by operationalising up to 60 mines during the financial year 2026-27 (FY27), as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen mineral security, enhance domestic production, and support the country’s growing industrial and infrastructure needs.

The planned rollout includes a mix of coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and critical mineral blocks that have been auctioned in recent years. The initiative aims to accelerate the transition of auctioned mineral assets from exploration and regulatory clearances to full-scale commercial production.

Government officials have indicated that the operationalisation of these mines will play a crucial role in reducing import dependence for key raw materials while supporting sectors such as steel, cement, power generation, renewable energy, and electric vehicle manufacturing. Several of the mines are expected to contribute significantly to India’s critical minerals strategy, which seeks to secure supplies of lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements essential for advanced technologies.

The Ministry of Mines has been actively promoting reforms to improve ease of doing business in the sector, including streamlined approvals, faster environmental clearances, and enhanced digital monitoring of mining operations. These measures are designed to attract greater private-sector participation and accelerate project implementation.

Industry experts believe the operationalisation of additional mines will generate substantial employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity in mineral-rich regions, and strengthen India’s position as a major global producer of key minerals. Increased domestic output is also expected to support the country’s ambitious infrastructure development plans and manufacturing growth targets.

The move comes amid growing global competition for critical minerals, which are increasingly viewed as strategic resources for energy transition technologies, batteries, electronics, and defence applications. By expanding domestic mining capacity, India aims to build a more resilient supply chain and reduce exposure to international market disruptions.

With dozens of mining projects expected to commence production over the next year, FY27 could mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to unlock its mineral potential and support long-term economic growth through resource development.