Union Minister Sets Six-Month Deadline for Rare Earth Exploration in Bihar's Nawada District
In a significant development for India's mineral security, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, announced on Wednesday that the ongoing survey for rare earth materials in Nawada district, part of the Magadh division in Bihar, is expected to be completed within the next six months. This revelation was made during a session in the Lok Sabha, where the minister responded to queries regarding the progress of this critical exploration initiative.
Survey Details and Key Elements Under Investigation
The exploration efforts are being spearheaded by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy. The primary focus of this survey is to identify and assess deposits of rare earth elements, with a particular emphasis on lithium, a resource that has become increasingly vital in today's technology-driven world. According to Minister Singh, the current phase involves a G-4 stage geological and radiometric survey, which is actively underway. He assured that follow-up actions will be determined based on the comprehensive findings from this survey, paving the way for potential extraction and utilization of these valuable minerals.
Political Support and Economic Implications
Nawada MP Vivek Thakur, who raised the initial question in Parliament, expressed strong support for the minister's assurance. Thakur highlighted that rare earth elements are crucial for the country's mineral security and could significantly boost local development in Nawada. He pointed out that the discovery and exploitation of these resources would not only create numerous job opportunities within the district but also have positive ripple effects across the entire state of Bihar. Emphasizing the broader significance, Thakur noted that rare earth elements play an indispensable role in key sectors such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy, and defence, making them a strategic asset in the current global geopolitical landscape.
Geological Potential and Regional Context
Thakur further elaborated on the geological prospects of the region, citing the presence of granite, pegmatite, and mica rocks in neighboring districts of Jharkhand, including Koderma. This geological composition suggests a high potential for the concentration of other valuable rare earth materials in the area, extending to Nawada. Such findings could position Bihar as a key player in India's quest for self-reliance in critical minerals, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing national security.
Clarifications on Exploration Scope and Mining Issues
In his response, Minister Singh also addressed specific concerns regarding the scope of exploration activities. He clarified that no exploration activities are currently being carried out in Sheikhpura district, focusing the efforts solely on Nawada. Additionally, when questioned about illegal mining in the region, the minister stated that this issue falls under the jurisdiction of the state government. He explained that the Union government has limited scope to intervene directly, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts between central and state authorities to address such challenges effectively.
This announcement marks a pivotal step forward in India's strategy to secure essential rare earth resources, with the Nawada survey poised to deliver results that could reshape the nation's industrial and technological capabilities in the coming months.
