India is significantly advancing its Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration, with a strong push towards boosting domestic production capacity of rare earth permanent magnets to 5,000 tonnes by 2030, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha.
Addressing questions during the ongoing Budget Session, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration is central to India’s strategy to strengthen its critical minerals ecosystem and reduce reliance on imports.
He stated that India’s current requirement of rare earth permanent magnets stands at approximately 4,000 tonnes and is expected to nearly double to 8,000 tonnes by 2030, underlining the urgency to expand domestic production capabilities.
The government’s intensified focus on Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration includes scaling up manufacturing infrastructure and accelerating mineral discovery efforts across the country.
Production Expansion and Strategic Projects
As part of India’s Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration roadmap, the Minister highlighted the launch of a pilot project on neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets.
Additionally, a samarium-cobalt magnet plant has been operationalised in Visakhapatnam with an initial production capacity of 500 tonnes per year.
This capacity is planned to be expanded to 2,000 tonnes in the next phase and further scaled up to 5,000 tonnes by 2030. These initiatives form a critical component of the government’s broader Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration efforts aimed at building self-reliance in strategic mineral processing.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that a whole-of-government approach is being adopted to accelerate Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration, with close coordination across ministries to fast-track exploration and development.
Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration Across Key Regions
Responding to a query raised by Mahima Kumari Mewar regarding lithium reserves in Degana, the Minister confirmed that preliminary surveys are already underway. He added that further exploration activities will commence soon under the Ministry of Mines.
He also stated that similar Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration efforts are ongoing in Reasi district, indicating a multi-regional approach to identifying and developing critical mineral reserves.
Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration is vital for supporting India’s rapidly growing sectors, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence, aerospace, and space applications.
He said these minerals will also play a crucial role in enabling clean energy transition and powering emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which require reliable and sustainable energy systems.
The government’s push for Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration is therefore aligned with long-term industrial and technological growth objectives.
Policy Reforms and Private Sector Participation
Highlighting recent policy reforms, the Minister said that provisions under the Atomic Energy (Amendment) framework have enabled greater private sector participation in Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration, while maintaining safeguards for strategic resources such as uranium.
He also pointed to the introduction of the SHANTI Act, which liberalises existing provisions and opens up the sector further, thereby boosting domestic capacity and reducing import dependence through enhanced Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration.
Rare Earth Corridors and Geological Challenges
To strengthen the ecosystem for processing and value addition, the government has announced rare earth corridors in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that rare earth elements are found both in beach sand minerals and rock formations, requiring varied exploration techniques based on geological conditions.
Regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jharkhand possess significant deposits of rock-based minerals, which are comparatively more complex to explore.
Environmental Safeguards and Regulatory Oversight
Addressing concerns related to environmental impact, the Minister clarified that mining safeguards fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Mines and associated regulatory frameworks.
He emphasized the need to curb illegal mining while ensuring sustainable development through responsible Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration practices.
Strengthening India’s Critical Minerals Ecosystem
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded that India is steadily strengthening its position in the global critical minerals landscape.
The government’s sustained push for Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration is focused on reducing import dependence, enhancing domestic production, and building a resilient supply chain to support future industrial and technological growth.
