India Maps 7.23 Million Tonnes Rare Earth Resources, Expands Uranium Mining and Global Lithium Ventures

India is intensifying its rare earth and uranium exploration drive, with over 300 projects launched by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), alongside auctions of critical mineral blocks and overseas ventures through KABIL. The government estimates 7.23 million tonnes of rare earth oxide equivalent resources, positioning India as a serious player in the global critical minerals race.

Exploration & Auctions

• AMD (Atomic Minerals Directorate): Conducting integrated exploration for Rare Earth Elements (REE) and uranium across coastal sands, inland alluvium, and hard rock terrains.
• GSI (Geological Survey of India):
  • Between 2021–22 and 2023–24, carried out 166 REE projects.
  • In 2024–25, completed 78 projects.
  • In 2025–26, initiated 92 projects.
• Ministry of Mines: Auctioned 46 critical mineral blocks, including 7 REE blocks, plus 7 exploration licenses (2 for REE).

Resource Estimates (AMD)

• 7.23 Million Tonnes (Mt) TREO Eq. in 13.15 Mt monazite, found in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• 1.29 Mt TREO Eq. in hard rock terrains of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)

• IREL (India) Limited: Processes rare earth-bearing minerals from beach sand materials into high-purity oxides. Operates integrated mining and refining facilities in Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• UCIL (Uranium Corporation of India Limited): Runs seven uranium mines and two processing plants in Jharkhand, plus one mine and plant at Tummalapalle, Andhra Pradesh.

Overseas Ventures

• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited): A joint venture under the Ministry of Mines, created to secure overseas assets.
  • Signed an agreement with CAMYEN (Argentina) for exploration of five lithium brine blocks.
  • No long-term agreements yet for REEs, cobalt, or uranium.

Strategic Context

• India launched the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) in 2025, aiming to reduce import dependency and build a domestic value chain for rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and uranium.
• GSI is evolving from a mapping agency into an investment enabler, preparing mineral assets for private and global investors.
• Rare earths are vital for EV batteries, wind turbines, defense systems, and semiconductors, making India’s exploration crucial for energy security and technological competitiveness.

Challenges Ahead

• Value Chain Development: India must move beyond exploration to processing, refining, and manufacturing of rare earth-based products.
• Global Competition: China dominates rare earth supply; India’s efforts aim to diversify sources and reduce vulnerability.
• Environmental & Social Concerns: Mining projects in Jharkhand and coastal states face challenges of land acquisition, rehabilitation, and ecological impact.

Conclusion

India’s rare earth and uranium exploration is no longer just geological—it’s strategic. With 7.23 Mt of rare earth resources identified, 300+ projects underway, and overseas lithium ventures, the country is laying the groundwork for self-reliance in critical minerals. The next step will be building a domestic refining and manufacturing ecosystem to translate exploration success into industrial strength.