New Delhi, June 2026: Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL) and Invest UP have explored opportunities for strategic collaboration in mineral exploration and critical minerals development during discussions held at the 9th National PSU Summit 2026.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation to accelerate the exploration and development of critical mineral resources, which are essential for India’s growing clean energy, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicle (EV), defense, and high-technology sectors. The discussions also highlighted the importance of building a secure and sustainable domestic supply chain for strategic minerals.
During the interaction, MECL highlighted its ongoing critical mineral exploration activities in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The company noted that it has played a significant role in the successful identification and development of mineral resources in the Sonrai region, which recently became the first fertilizer mineral block in Uttar Pradesh to be successfully auctioned. The achievement is considered an important milestone in the state’s mining and resource development journey.
Officials emphasized that the partnership between MECL and Invest UP could help unlock the vast mineral potential of Uttar Pradesh by combining technical expertise, geological exploration capabilities, and investment promotion initiatives. Such collaboration is expected to encourage greater private sector participation while ensuring responsible and sustainable resource utilization.
The discussions also underscored the growing importance of critical minerals in supporting India’s long-term economic growth and industrial transformation. As global demand for minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, graphite, nickel, and cobalt continues to rise, strengthening domestic exploration has become a national priority.
The collaboration aligns with the Government of India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which seeks to transform the country into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. Expanding domestic mineral exploration and securing critical mineral resources are viewed as essential steps toward achieving resource security, energy transition, industrial competitiveness, and economic resilience.
Both organizations acknowledged that closer cooperation between government agencies, public sector enterprises, and investment promotion bodies will play a vital role in enhancing India’s mineral security and reducing dependence on imported strategic minerals.
The discussions at the 9th National PSU Summit 2026 reaffirmed the commitment of MECL and Invest UP to work together in promoting sustainable mineral development, attracting investments, and supporting India’s long-term strategic and economic objectives.