Rajasthan’s Potential in Rare Earth Mineral Production | 17 Jul 2025
Why in News?
Surveys by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) have revealed large reserves of rare earth minerals in Bhati Kheda, Siwana tehsil, Balotra, Rajasthan.
- With ongoing surveys and advancements in technology and infrastructure, Rajasthan is poised to become a major global supplier in the rare earth market.
Key Points
About Rare Earth Reserves in Rajasthan
- India’s First Hard Rock Rare Mineral Block: Bhati Kheda in Balotra holds significant reserves of rare earth minerals, confirming the presence of 17 high-demand elements critical for modern technologies.
- It is set to become the country's first block to contain rare earth minerals in hard rock granite, a more challenging form for mineral extraction.
- The G2 level survey confirms the large reserves of these minerals, making it a significant find.
- It is set to become the country's first block to contain rare earth minerals in hard rock granite, a more challenging form for mineral extraction.
- Survey and Mining Process: The GSI and AMD have conducted extensive surveys in Balotra and Jalore districts, with the survey in Bhati Kheda nearing completion.
- The central government will soon auction mining leases for these rare minerals, opening up opportunities for both private companies and state agencies.
- As there are no wildlife sanctuaries or similar protected areas nearby, there are minimal environmental or local-level challenges expected in Bhati Kheda.
About Rare Earth Minerals
- Rare earth minerals are minerals that contain one or more rare earth elements (REEs) as a major metal constituent.
- Rare earth elements refer specifically to 17 metallic elements: the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table, plus scandium and yttrium.
- These elements are used heavily in high-tech electronics, magnets, renewable energy technologies, and defense.
- Critical Minerals: Critical minerals are those that are essential for a nation’s economic development, technological advancement, or national security, and whose supply may be vulnerable to disruption due to concentrated extraction or processing in a small number of locations, geopolitical risks, or scarcity.
- The specific list of critical minerals can change over time depending on technological and economic needs.
- India has identified 30 critical minerals, including Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, and Germanium.
- China dominates the global processing of several critical minerals, including rare earths, controlling an estimated 80–90% of processing capacity.
- India is heavily dependent on imports for critical minerals, particularly from China.
- India's Initiatives for Achieving Self-Reliance on Critical Minerals: