Assam pushes rare earth exploration with focus on sustainable mining

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Assam has begun moving towards rare earth and critical mineral exploration as the state looks to align itself with India’s broader push to secure strategic mineral resources for future industries.

At a recent review meeting of the Mines and Minerals Department, state officials discussed plans to start exploration work for rare earth reserves in coordination with central government policies. The state government said Assam already has identified reserves of rare earths and other minerals considered important for advanced manufacturing, clean energy systems and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Officials also reviewed exploration activity for other minerals across the state. According to the government, several of these projects have already attracted investment commitments worth more than INR 50,000 trillion (USD 5.19 trillion).

Alongside the expansion plans, the state emphasised that mining activity must remain within existing environmental and sustainability guidelines, with ecological protection continuing to be a priority for future projects.

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Exploration plans tied to India’s wider critical minerals strategy

Assam’s latest push comes at a time when India is increasing efforts to build domestic supply chains for critical minerals used in sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, electric mobility, electronics and defence manufacturing.

In the Union Budget 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman proposed customs duty exemptions on capital equipment required for critical mineral processing, a move aimed at boosting domestic value addition and processing capacity.

Rare earths and strategic minerals were also a major topic during the 2nd North East Mining Ministers’ Conclave held in June 2025, where Assam highlighted its growing ambitions in the mining and minerals sector.

The state has also been actively seeking investment in the sector. During the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, Assam signed 14 memorandums of understanding involving investment proposals worth more than INR 46,000 billion (USD 477.49 billion) from Indian and overseas investors.

The exploration initiative also fits into the framework of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in 2025 to reduce India’s dependence on imported strategic minerals and strengthen long-term mineral security.

As part of the mission, the Geological Survey of India has been assigned 1,200 exploration projects between 2024–25 and 2030–31 to identify and assess critical mineral reserves across the country.