The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has intensified its efforts in mineral exploration, executing 92 projects targeting rare earth elements (REEs) during 2025-26. Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed these details during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Singh reported that a total of 78 REE-focused projects were completed by the GSI in the 2024-25 period, with 166 projects conducted from 2021-22 to 2023-24. The Ministry of Mines, under his leadership, has also succeeded in auctioning 46 critical mineral blocks, seven of which are dedicated to REEs. Moreover, the central government has auctioned exploration licenses for seven additional blocks, including two REE blocks.
Highlighting India’s significant resource potential, Singh noted the presence of 7.23 million tonnes of in-situ rare earth oxides in monazite across several states, with additional resources found in Gujarat and Rajasthan. This strategic exploration is critical for India’s growing demands in technology and other industries reliant on rare earth materials.
(With inputs from agencies.)