Lok Sabha Question No. 1920 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Domestic Production of Copper and Gold
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1920

ANSWERED ON THE 11.02.2026

## DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF COPPER AND GOLD

1920. DR. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps to increase the domestic production of Copper  and  Gold  in  view  of  the  importance  of  their  energy  transition,  emerging technologies and national security and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether adequate proven reserves of Copper and Gold are available in the public sector to meet domestic demand and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to enhance production capacity;
- (c) whether the production of Copper and Gold has increased during the last five/ten years and if so, the details thereof, year-wise;
- (d) the status of technology upgradation and investments to realise the full potential of copper and gold mining assets;
- (e) whether the Government is considering private sector participation, modern mining technologies  or  other  measures  to  ensure  sustainable  growth  in  domestic  production while safeguarding labour welfare and if so, the details thereof; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes disinvestment in PSUs engaged in Copper and Gold mining to increase production and reduce import dependence and if so, the details thereof ?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES AND COAL (SHRI G KISHAN REDDY)

- (a) &  (b):  Government of India has taken measures to increase domestic production of various minerals (including Copper and Gold), which include the following:
-  Exploration Licence (EL) regime permitting reconnaissance and prospecting operations for critical and deep-seated minerals
-  Exploration  by  Notified  Private  Exploration  Agencies  (NPEAs)  with  funding  from National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT)
-  11 copper blocks and 28 gold blocks auctioned, since 2015
-  State of art 'Paste Fill' Technology to increase safety and production of copper ore
-  'Vision Document on the Copper Sector' outlines strategic roadmap for India's copper industry

(c): Production details of Copper and Gold during the last five years:

| Mineral            | Unit   |   2020-21 |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |   2024-25 |
|--------------------|--------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Copper Concentrate | Tonne  |    108718 |    115313 |    112745 |    125230 |    105012 |
| Gold Primary       | KG     |      1127 |      1407 |      1433 |      1586 |      1627 |

(d)  &  (e):  Mineral  blocks  are  auctioned  through  transparent  process to increase private sector participation. Mining sector utilizes modern technologies including remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), drone technology, satellite-based monitoring and automation to realize potential of mining assets.

The Central Government has enacted Mines Act, 1952 to ensure occupational safety & health of mine workers. Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under Ministry of Labour and Employment has been entrusted to ensure compliance of the provisions for enhancing safety of mine workers.

Sustainable Mining Practices are ensured through Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017 and scheme of Star Rating of Mining leases for implementation of Sustainable Development Framework.

(f): Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) under Ministry of Mines is engaged in mining of copper and has taken up various measures to enhance copper ore production significantly. There is no proposal for disinvestment of HCL.

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