Keshav Chandra appointed Secretary of India's Ministry of Mines

Senior Indian Administrative Service officer Keshav Chandra took charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Mines on 27 July. In his first meeting with senior ministry officials, he reviewed key initiatives such as mineral exploration, auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, and the development of critical and strategic minerals.

Chandra stressed the need for coordinated implementation of programmes to boost the availability of minerals, accelerate resource development and support long‑term economic and industrial growth. The ministry highlighted its focus on strengthening India's mining sector and securing critical mineral supplies.

The appointment comes as the government ramps up efforts to expand domestic mineral capacity and reduce reliance on imports of strategic resources.