Powering Progress: Northeast India's Rich Veins of Critical Minerals

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified multiple zones across Northeast India rich in critical and strategic minerals vital for clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, and defence manufacturing.

Supported by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), GSI has conducted extensive thematic studies, baseline surveys, and exploration activities across the region. These efforts have uncovered significant deposits of rare earth elements (REE), graphite, vanadium, lithium, cobalt, and other essential minerals used in batteries, semiconductors, and high-performance alloys.

In its latest 57-page report, GSI emphasized the urgency of developing domestic sources for these resources, noting that India's rising demand requires proactive exploration in geologically promising regions such as the Northeast.

The region’s distinctive geology—including ophiolite belts, ultramafic complexes, and graphite-bearing schists—offers highly favorable conditions for critical mineral exploration. Union Minister Piyush Goyal called the findings a "wake-up call" to diversify and secure mineral supply chains.

Arunachal Pradesh has emerged as a standout, with GSI establishing reserves of over 17.89 million tonnes of high-grade graphite. This graphite, characterized by its fine- to medium-flake texture and carbon content ranging from 5% to 25%, is particularly suitable for lithium-ion battery production.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.