Bengal eyes rare earth mining with 6.7 lakh tonne resource discovery

Share
Link copied
Article cover image for "Bengal eyes rare earth mining with 6.7 lakh tonne resource discovery"
Thu, Jul 02, 01:45 AM IST • 2 min read

West Bengal could soon emerge as an important player in India's critical minerals ecosystem after identifying an estimated 6.7 lakh tonnes of rare earth-bearing resources in Purulia and Bankura. The state government is preparing to seek the Government of India's approval to auction mining blocks for commercial extraction, a move that could unlock fresh investment and strengthen Bengal's industrial growth story.

Rare earth elements are a group of strategic minerals that are indispensable for modern technology. They are widely used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, wind turbines, smartphones, advanced electronics, aerospace applications and defence equipment. As countries race to secure critical mineral supplies for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing, rare earth resources have become increasingly valuable.

The proposed mining initiative comes at a significant time. China currently dominates the global rare earth supply chain, accounting for nearly 60% of mined production, 91% of refined output and 94% of permanent magnet production in 2024. This concentration has prompted countries around the world, including India, to accelerate efforts to develop domestic sources of critical minerals.

India is estimated to possess around 69 lakh tonnes of rare earth reserves, but production remains limited. If the Centre approves the proposal and commercial mining begins, West Bengal could join Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as one of the country's key rare earth-producing states.

Beyond mineral extraction, the discovery could have far-reaching economic implications for Bengal. Commercial development of these resources has the potential to attract investments in mining and mineral processing, generate employment, increase state revenue and encourage the growth of downstream industries linked to electronics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

For West Bengal, the discovery represents more than a new mining opportunity. It has the potential to position the state as an important contributor to India's ambitions of building a resilient critical minerals supply chain while supporting the next generation of clean energy and technology manufacturing.