<h4>Introduction to National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)</h4><p>The <strong>National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)</strong> is a crucial institution established to bolster India's mineral resource base. Its primary mandate is to significantly accelerate the pace of <strong>mineral exploration</strong> across the country.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Establishment:</strong> <strong>NMET</strong> was constituted under <strong>Section 9C</strong> of the <strong>Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957</strong>.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> To accelerate <strong>mineral exploration</strong> in India.</p></div><h4>Key Objectives of NMET</h4><p>The <strong>Trust</strong> plays a vital role in supporting various stages of mineral exploration. It provides financial and technical assistance for projects deemed critical for national resource security.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Core Objectives:</strong></p><ul><li>To support <strong>regional mineral exploration</strong>.</li><li>To facilitate <strong>detailed mineral exploration</strong> within the country.</li><li>To fund <strong>other activities</strong> as approved by its <strong>Governing Body</strong>, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to national needs.</li></ul></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Understanding the statutory backing (<strong>MMDR Act, 1957</strong>, <strong>Section 9C</strong>) of bodies like <strong>NMET</strong> is essential for both <strong>Prelims</strong> (identifying statutory bodies) and <strong>Mains</strong> (analyzing governance and policy frameworks in <strong>GS Paper 2</strong> and <strong>GS Paper 3</strong>).</p></div>