Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced on 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.
Strategic Importance for India
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. He emphasized the state's commitment to accelerating exploration, research, and strategic development in this sector in coordination with the central government.
Key Minerals Identified
Officials reported that geological surveys in the volcanic complex, spanning nearly 750 square kilometers, have identified strategic minerals such as niobium, zirconium, and hafnium. These minerals are considered crucial for multiple sectors, including defense, 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 technical evaluation of these blocks has been assigned to three companies.
Defense and Technology Applications
“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 stated.
Rare Earth Excellence Centre
The Rajasthan government is also establishing a Rare Earth Excellence Centre to boost research and innovation in critical minerals. Officials said the state is collaborating 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 this sector.
