India Uncovers 8.5 Million Tonnes of Rare Earth Reserves

India's Rare Earth Reserves Discovery

1. Discovery Overview:

   • India has discovered 8.5 million tonnes (mt) of rare earth element oxides (REOs).

   • This includes:

     • 7.23 mt in 13.15 mt monazite deposits found in coastal and inland regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

     • 1.29 mt in hard rock deposits in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

   • Earlier estimate was 6.99 mt – the new discovery marks a significant increase.

2. Geological Context:

   • Rare earths are not found in isolation; they occur within minerals like monazite, bastnaesite, and xenotime.

   • These minerals are sourced from:

     • Hard rock deposits: e.g., carbonatites, alkaline igneous rocks.

     • Weathered and sedimentary deposits: e.g., ion-absorption clays, mineral sands, red sand (teri), and inland alluvium.

3. Processing & Institutional Framework:

   • IREL (under DAE) is the only agency mining and processing REOs in India.

   • AMD (Atomic Minerals Directorate) and GSI (Geological Survey of India) are engaged in exploration:

     • GSI has identified 482.6 mt of REE ore resources across 34 projects.

4. National Critical Minerals Mission:

   • Aimed at domestic capacity building and supply chain resilience.

   • Includes incentives for REE processing technologies, recycling schemes, and start-up/MSME participation.

5. Global Context:

   • The discovery comes amid China’s export curbs on REEs.

   • India has formed an inter-ministerial committee (mines, heavy industries, commerce, DAE) to secure strategic resources and tech collaborations.

6. Strategic Importance:

   • REEs are critical for:

     • Permanent magnets in EVs and renewables

     • Energy storage systems

     • Aerospace and defence components