Keshav Chandra assumed charge as Mines Secretary on July 27, 2026, taking over responsibility for steering the Centre's efforts to strengthen India's mining and mineral sector. The 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre succeeds Piyush Goyal, who has been appointed as Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Chandra previously served as chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council before taking on his new role.
Soon after assuming charge, Chandra chaired his first review meeting with senior officials and reviewed key initiatives of the mines ministry. During the meeting, senior officials briefed the secretary on various important programmes and initiatives of the Ministry of Mines, including those related to mineral exploration, auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, critical and strategic minerals, and other key areas of the mining and mineral sector. As reported by the mines ministry, the secretary emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts and effective implementation of the ministry's key initiatives to strengthen India's mineral sector. The discussions focused on the progress of ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing mineral availability, accelerating resource development, and supporting the country's long-term economic and industrial growth.
The ministry is treating critical minerals as a strategic sector as it seeks to secure minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, titanium and rare earths that are essential for electric vehicles, renewables, electronics, defence and other high-tech industries. According to the ministry, India depends heavily on imports for many of these inputs, leaving industry exposed to supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical risk. The strategic focus on domestic exploration aims to identify more reserves and bring in participation from private companies through auctions and exploration licences, with domestic exploration designed to identify more reserves while auctions and exploration licences are designed to bring in participation from private companies and deepen the pipeline of mineral assets. Chandra has underlined the need to strengthen India's mineral sector through efficient policy execution and closer collaboration among stakeholders.
As the newly appointed Secretary, Chandra stressed the need for better coordination among departments and timely execution of government initiatives to improve the efficiency and growth of the country's mineral sector. He also underscored the importance of effective implementation of ongoing programmes to support India's long-term resource security and industrial development. A 1995-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Chandra brings extensive administrative experience to the Ministry as it continues to focus on enhancing mineral production, securing critical mineral resources and promoting sustainable growth in the mining industry.
