Odisha's Rare Earth Corridor to Fuel India's Semiconductor Ambitions
A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced dedicated rare earth corridors for Odisha in the Union Budget, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo revealed on Monday that the state possesses a strategic mineral treasure that could power India's semiconductor and chip-making ambitions.
Strategic Coastal Zone Identified
Addressing a press conference in Cuttack, Singhdeo disclosed that a significant stretch along the Odisha coastline—extending from Dhamra to Gopalpur—has been identified as a rare earth-rich zone. This corridor is poised to significantly boost production of conductors, semiconductors, and chips, positioning Odisha as a crucial player in high-tech manufacturing.
"This corridor will substantially enhance Odisha's revenue streams and establish the state as a pivotal contributor to India's advanced manufacturing ecosystem," Singhdeo emphasized during his announcement.
Global Interest and Commercial Viability
The deputy chief minister revealed that a Singapore-based company has already been engaged for this ambitious project, highlighting the growing international interest in Odisha's critical mineral reserves. This development comes at a time when global supply chains are increasingly focusing on securing essential minerals for technological advancement.
Citing a Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) report, Singhdeo provided compelling details about Odisha's mineral wealth:
- Odisha contains the highest rare earth deposits in India
- These minerals are found exceptionally close to the surface—barely 1.5 meters deep
- This shallow depth makes extraction commercially viable and cost-effective
Aligning with National Strategic Goals
This initiative perfectly aligns with India's broader push to secure critical minerals and reduce dependence on imports. Odisha's rare earth resources are strengthening the state's strategic importance within India's clean energy and electronics supply chains, creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Rich Mineral Composition
Explaining the resource profile in detail, Singhdeo noted that the beach sand minerals in this coastal region contain:
- Monazite—a phosphate mineral exceptionally rich in rare earth elements
- Uranium and thorium deposits
- Titanium-bearing minerals including ilmenite and rutile
This diverse mineral composition makes the Odisha corridor particularly valuable for multiple high-tech industries, from electronics to renewable energy technologies.
The development of this rare earth corridor represents a significant step forward in India's quest for technological self-reliance and positions Odisha at the forefront of the nation's semiconductor manufacturing aspirations.
