India Confirms 8.5 Million Tons Rare Earth Discovery |

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India has discovered nearly 8.5 million tons of rare earth element (REE) deposits, surpassing earlier estimates of 6.99 million tons. The find strengthens India’s position in the global rare earth supply chain at a time of growing international demand and supply constraints.

Significant Boost from Monazite Reserves

The discovery includes 7.23 million tons of rare earth oxide contained within 13.15 million tons of monazite deposits. These reserves are distributed across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Monazite, primarily found in coastal beach areas, teri sand formations, red sand deposits, and inland alluvium, contains around ten percent thorium oxide and 55% rare earth oxide, making it a crucial resource for high-tech applications.

Additional Hard Rock Deposits Identified

Further exploration revealed 1.29 million tons of rare earth oxide in hard rock deposits across Gujarat and Rajasthan, expanding India’s total REE reserves and adding diversity to its mineral resource base.

Strategic Importance Amid Global Supply Concerns

The discovery comes as China tightens export restrictions on rare earth elements, raising global supply chain concerns. These critical minerals are essential for permanent magnets, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and defense technologies. Automotive manufacturers, already anxious about supply disruptions, have urged the government to accelerate domestic sourcing and processing capabilities.

Pathways for Extraction and Policy Action

According to the Department of Atomic Energy, mining operations for these newly identified deposits are technically feasible, opening the door to domestic extraction and processing. In response, the government has set up an inter-ministerial committee including representatives from the ministries of mines, heavy industries, commerce, and the Department of Atomic Energy. The committee is working to:

*Strengthen supply chains through international partnerships

*Commercialize indigenous processing technologies

*Ensure resource security for strategic industries

Strengthening India’s Role in the Global REE Market

As reported by knnindia.co.in, this discovery positions India to play a larger role in the rare earth market. It will reduce import dependence and bolster critical industries driving energy transition, mobility, and defense.

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