Raj CM for aggressive push on critical mineral deposits

Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said Sunday that Rajasthan is moving “aggressively” to promote exploration and research of critical minerals after significant deposits of rare earth and heavy rare earth elements were identified in the Siwana Granite and Siwana Ring Complex regions of Balotra district.

Calling the discovery strategically important for India, Sharma directed officials to appoint a nodal officer for faster implementation and coordination of projects linked to the Siwana Ring Complex, which is emerging as a major rare mineral zone in western Rajasthan.

“Rajasthan has immense potential in the field of critical and rare earth minerals. The state govt is committed to accelerating exploration, research and strategic development in this sector in coordination with the Centre,” Sharma said.

Officials said geological surveys in the volcanic complex, spread across nearly 750 square kilometres, have identified strategic minerals such as niobium, zirconium and hafnium. These minerals are considered crucial for multiple sectors, including defence, aerospace, nuclear energy, electric vehicles, robotics and advanced electronics.

According to officials, the Union ministry of mines recently highlighted the presence of rare earth elements (REEs), heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and critical rare metals in three blocks of the complex during a review meeting. The work of technical evaluation of these blocks has already been assigned to three companies.

“These minerals are essential for missile systems, nuclear reactors, aerospace engines, batteries and clean-energy technologies. Their availability is directly linked to the country’s strategic and technological security,” a senior mining department official said.

The Rajasthan govt is also setting up a Rare Earth Excellence Centre to boost research and innovation in critical minerals. Officials said the state is working with the Geological Survey of India, the Atomic Minerals Directorate, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad to strengthen exploration and scientific research in the sector.