New Delhi: In a strategic move to secure its supply of critical minerals, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is actively exploring and augmenting rare earth group elements (REEs) in various geological regions across India, Parliament was informed on Monday.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy stated that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) — a key unit of the DAE — is spearheading this effort as part of India’s broader push for self-reliance in critical minerals, especially amid China’s tightening export controls on REEs and magnets.
Exploration Underway Across Multiple States
Minister Reddy said that AMD is conducting exploration of rare earth group elements in:
- Coastal/inland/riverine placer sands
- Hard rock terrains in geologically promising zones
As a result of this ongoing work, 7.23 million tonnes (MT) of in-situ Rare Earth Oxide (REO) resources have been identified, primarily in 13.15 MT of monazite found in coastal and inland regions of:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Jharkhand
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
Additionally, 1.29 MT of in-situ REO has been located in hard rock formations in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with DAE confirming the feasibility of mining these deposits.
GSI Adds to Resource Estimates
In parallel, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has contributed to national resource mapping by identifying an additional 482.6 MT of REE ore across 34 exploration projects, based on various cut-off grades.
National Critical Minerals Mission Boosts Momentum
Reddy also highlighted the role of the recently launched National Critical Minerals Mission (2025), which aims to:
- Develop a resilient domestic supply chain
- Reduce import dependency
Promote indigenous exploration and processing of critical minerals, including REEs
This mission aligns with India’s broader strategic goals in renewable energy, electronics, EV manufacturing, and defence, all of which rely heavily on rare earth elements.
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Context: China’s Curbs Disrupt Global Supply Chain
The urgency of the initiative stems from China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth materials and magnets, which have significantly impacted global industries, especially automotive and white goods manufacturing. India’s stepped-up efforts are viewed as part of a larger global trend to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese exports.
