Latest news with #EarthElements
NDTV
6 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
India Has 8.52 Million Tonnes Reserves Of Rare Earth Elements: Minister
New Delhi: India has approximately 7.23 million tonnes (MT) of Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) contained in 13.15 MT monazite (a mineral of Thorium and Rare Earths) occurring in the coastal beach, teri and red sand and inland alluvium in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra, while another 1.29 MT rare earths are situated in hard rocks in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy, is carrying out exploration and augmentation of minerals of rare earth group elements along the coastal, inland and riverine placer sands as well as in hard rock terrains in several potential geological domains of the country, said Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has augmented 482.6 MT resources of REE ore at various cut-off grades in 34 exploration projects, the minister informed. The quantum of rare earth minerals exported during the last 10 years is 18 tonnes, while there have been no imports of rare earth minerals, he further stated. The minister also said that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the challenges arising from export restrictions on rare earth magnets imposed by certain countries. "There have been continued engagements at bilateral and multilateral level to increase cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including in rare earth minerals and related technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain and safeguard the interests of Indian importers," said the minister. Ministry of Mines has been working to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals, including Rare Earth Elements, as they are key materials for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence. In the interest of developing bilateral cooperation with countries having rich mineral resources. The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with the governments of a number of countries such as Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Cote D'Ivoire and International organisations such as International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr Singh said. The Ministry is also engaging on various multilateral and bilateral platforms such as Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) for strengthening the critical minerals value chain, he explained. He further stated that the Ministry of Mines has set up Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint Venture company with the objective to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets that hold critical and strategic significance, specifically targeting minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and others. KABIL has already signed an Exploration and Development Agreement with CAMYEN, a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina for Exploration and mining of Five Lithium Blocks in Argentina. KABIL is also having regular interactions with Critical Mineral Office in Australia with the primary objective of acquiring critical and strategic mineral assets. Further, the Ministry has initiated the process of entering into Government to Government (G2G) MoUs with Brazil and Dominican Republic for developing cooperation in the field of Rare Earth Minerals and Critical Minerals. The broad objectives of these MoUs are to provide an overarching framework for cooperation in research, development and innovation in mining, with a particular focus on rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals, the minister pointed out. Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, rare earth elements etc., are demand intensive due to their strategic uses in various sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence. The Ministry of Mines has also undertaken significant steps including various policy reforms to ensure supply chain resilience for these critical sectors, the minister added.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India holds 8.52 million tonnes of rare earth oxide resources; no rare earth imports in last 10 years: Govt
New Delhi: India has identified a total of 8.52 million tonnes (MT) of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) resources across multiple states, as the government pushes ahead with efforts to secure supply chains for critical minerals essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence applications. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) has estimated approximately 7.23 MT of REO within 13.15 MT of monazite deposits found in coastal beach, teri/red sand, and inland alluvial zones across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Additionally, hard rock terrains in Gujarat and Rajasthan account for 1.29 MT of REO resources. Separately, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has reported augmentation of 482.6 MT of REE ore across 34 exploration projects using various cut-off grades. India has recorded no imports of rare earth minerals over the last 10 years, while exports have totaled 18 tonnes during the same period, the government informed the House. To meet rising demand and reduce dependence on external sources, the Union Cabinet on January 29, 2025, approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an outlay of ₹16,300 crore. The mission is expected to attract investments of ₹18,000 crore by public sector undertakings and will be implemented over seven years until FY 2030-31. It aims to strengthen India's end-to-end critical minerals value chain, from exploration and mining to processing, recycling and reuse. As part of the NCMM, ₹500 crore has been allocated for establishing mineral processing parks, ₹1,500 crore for incentivising mineral recycling from secondary sources, and ₹100 crore for pilot recovery projects. The mission will also support R&D institutions, startups, and MSMEs engaged in innovation across the critical minerals sector. In FY 2024–25, GSI has taken up 195 mineral exploration projects focused on critical and strategic minerals. For FY 2025–26, 227 such projects have been lined up. The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) has funded 195 projects so far. Additionally, 33 private exploration agencies are undertaking NMET-funded work. To expand access to critical minerals abroad, the Ministry of Mines established Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint venture which has acquired 15,703 hectares for lithium mining in Argentina's Catamarca province. KABIL is also in regular discussions with Australia's Critical Minerals Office and has signed bilateral agreements with governments of Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Côte d'Ivoire. The Ministry is also actively participating in global mineral partnerships through platforms like the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and the India-UK Technology and Security Initiative. To further secure supply chains, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 was amended in August 2023. The amendments removed six minerals from the list of atomic minerals and created a separate list of 24 critical and strategic minerals. The Centre has since been empowered to auction blocks and exploration licenses for these. A first tranche of offshore mineral auctions was launched in November 2024, covering 13 blocks including seven polymetallic nodule zones in the Andaman Sea. The first tranche of Exploration Licence (EL) auctions began in March 2025 for 13 blocks containing various critical minerals. To boost domestic processing capabilities, the government has eliminated customs duties on 25 minerals and reduced duties on two others. In Union Budget 2025–26, exemptions were extended to cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery waste, and 12 more critical minerals. The ministry of external affairs is engaged with foreign governments to address export restrictions on rare earth magnets and ensure uninterrupted supply chains for Indian industries.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India has 8.52 million tonnes reserves of rare earth elements: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: India has approximately 7.23 million tonnes (MT) of Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) contained in 13.15 MT monazite (a mineral of Thorium and Rare Earths) occurring in the coastal beach, teri and red sand and inland alluvium in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra, while another 1.29 MT rare earths are situated in hard rocks in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday. The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy, is carrying out exploration and augmentation of minerals of rare earth group elements along the coastal, inland and riverine placer sands as well as in hard rock terrains in several potential geological domains of the country, said Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Additionally, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has augmented 482.6 MT resources of REE ore at various cut-off grades in 34 exploration projects, the minister informed. The quantum of rare earth minerals exported during the last 10 years is 18 tonnes, while there have been no imports of rare earth minerals, he further stated. The minister also said that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the challenges arising from export restrictions on rare earth magnets imposed by certain countries. "There have been continued engagements at bilateral and multilateral level to increase cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including in rare earth minerals and related technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain and safeguard the interests of Indian importers," said the minister. Ministry of Mines has been working to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals, including Rare Earth Elements, as they are key materials for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence. In the interest of developing bilateral cooperation with countries having rich mineral resources. The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with the governments of a number of countries such as Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Cote D'Ivoire and International organisations such as International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr Singh said. The Ministry is also engaging on various multilateral and bilateral platforms such as Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) for strengthening the critical minerals value chain, he explained. He further stated that the Ministry of Mines has set up Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint Venture company with the objective to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets that hold critical and strategic significance, specifically targeting minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and others. KABIL has already signed an Exploration and Development Agreement with CAMYEN, a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina for Exploration and mining of Five Lithium Blocks in Argentina. KABIL is also having regular interactions with Critical Mineral Office in Australia with the primary objective of acquiring critical and strategic mineral assets. Further, the Ministry has initiated the process of entering into Government to Government (G2G) MoUs with Brazil and Dominican Republic for developing cooperation in the field of Rare Earth Minerals and Critical Minerals. The broad objectives of these MoUs are to provide an overarching framework for cooperation in research, development and innovation in mining, with a particular focus on rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals, the minister pointed out. Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, rare earth elements etc., are demand intensive due to their strategic uses in various sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence. The Ministry of Mines has also undertaken significant steps including various policy reforms to ensure supply chain resilience for these critical sectors, the minister added.
News18
05-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Why India's Rare Earth Reserves Remain Untapped While China Leads The Market?
Last Updated: India and the US have substantial REE reserves, but extraction and refining are difficult due to radioactive materials that threaten the environment and public health In the modern tech-driven world, Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have become as vital as food grains—powering everything from electric vehicles and smartphones to defence systems and wind turbines. With China mining 70% of the world's REEs and refining 90%, its dominance has left the global supply chain heavily dependent on a single source for these critical materials. China's stronghold did not happen overnight. Since 1990, it has strategically prioritised these elements, adapting its regulations, technology, and policies accordingly. The country possesses the largest REE reserves globally and benefits from low production costs due to cheap labour and lax environmental regulations. Additionally, the availability of inexpensive electricity facilitates energy-intensive processes like refining. China has also advanced its technology, with 39 universities conducting research in this field. In stark contrast, the United States, the world's most developed country, does not offer a single course on REEs. China has also frequently used these minerals as a political tool. In 2010, it halted exports to Japan, signalling to the world that these minerals could be leveraged as strategic assets. What Problems Do India Face? On the other hand, countries like India and the United States face numerous challenges. Although they have substantial reserves, extracting and refining these elements is not easy. The process involves handling radioactive materials, which pose risks to both the environment and public health. Strict environmental regulations in India and the US make such projects costly and complex. Private companies in India are also minimally active in this sector. Most raw materials are sent to China for refining, which is why India imports 99 percent of its magnets and batteries from China. India's electric vehicle (EV) sector is also impacted by dependence on China. Many Indian companies, including Maruti and Bajaj, now have to import the entire motor assembly, driving up costs. The government has taken steps to address this issue. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted this dependence as a threat, and the government is encouraging private companies to invest in the sector, though it will take time to see results. Very Low Production In The US The situation is similar in the US. There is only one mine, Mountain Pass, which produced 45,000 tonnes in 2024. Still, the US imports over 70% of its REE needs from China. The US once led this field, but China's lower costs and lax environmental rules have left the US behind. The US also lacks adequate refining facilities and advanced technology. Some new refining plants, like MP Materials in Texas, have started up, but their output will remain far below China's production. China's Technology Holdback China has now stopped selling its refining technology to other countries, further slowing their progress. Both the US and India need to increase domestic investment, acquire technology and find better solutions to environmental regulations. Additionally, promoting partnerships and recycling with countries like Australia and Vietnam is crucial. First Published: June 05, 2025, 17:50 IST
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fun activities to keep kids occupied during spring break
Spring break has arrived for many parents in the Twin Cities. For families staying in town, there are plenty of activities that will make the week fly by, whether you're looking for a staycation or just need to keep kids occupied for a few hours. Force the issue and put thoughts of summer in your life by heading to a conservatory. The mossy, earthy-smelling Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a reliable bet for a pleasant afternoon at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Plus, it's a great chance to check out the recently revamped Sunken Garden and its spring flower show. There's also the Meyer-Deats Conservatory over at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The Walker has programming geared toward younger audiences during spring break. It's not a bad spot to go under any circumstances — it's always free for people 18 and under — but here are the special events you'll find at the museum this week. April 2: Teen Maker Break, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. April 3: Woven Textiles with Andy Jacobs (during free Thursday nights), 5–8 p.m. April 3: Art & Sound Lounge (during free Thursday nights), 5–8 p.m. April 5: Free First Saturdays: Earth Elements, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Twin Cities is packed with museums, some of which offer free admission. The Minnesota Children's Museum will be open on Monday during spring break (it's normally closed on Mondays), and there's plenty to see at the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Bakken Museum, Weisman Art Museum, Mill City Museum, and American Swedish Institute, among other places. Here are a few special events taking place during the week. April 1: Makers Mornings (virtual) with American Swedish Institute April 2: Open Studio: Visual Verses at Weisman Art Museum April 3: "On the Shoulders of Giants" w/ films, DJs, and food trucks at Minneapolis Institute of Art April 4: Preschool Program: Easter Witches, Feathers, and Fun at American Swedish Institute April 4: Museum Nights at Science Museum of Minnesota April 5: Art Play! at Minneapolis Institute of Art Any clear night is an opportunity to stargaze with kids. However, if stargazing feels daunting and unfamiliar, join the Bell Museum for one of its free star parties, which will take place at 9 p.m. on April 4. Inside the museum, there are hands-on activities that will illuminate the night sky. Outside, experts have telescopes ready for young eyes and can help kids spot planets and other exciting night sky objects. Here's an easy one: Catch a movie. There are plenty of family movies in theaters right now (Dog Man, Paddington in Peru, A Minecraft Movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie), but some theaters are hosting special screenings that will entertain younger audiences. March 29: Barbie (2023) at Minneapolis Institute of Art (free) Mar. 29–30: Flow (2024) at Riverview Theater March 30: The Mummy (1999) at Emagine Willow Creek Mar. 30–31: Grease (1978) at Oakdale Cinema, Parkwood Cinema, Rosemount Cinema, and West End Cinema March 31–April 3: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) at Cinema Grill April 3: Hoosiers (1995) at Emagine Willow Creek April 3: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) at The Parkway Theater April 4: Dune (1984) at Alamo Drafthouse April 5: Spirited Away (2001) at The Parkway Theater April 6: Empire Records (1995) at Audrey Rose Vintage April 6: Little Big League (1994) at Niccolet Island Pavilion (free) Sandbox VR, with locations in Eden Prairie and Roseville, offers a unique virtual reality gaming experience. It doesn't last hours, if you're looking to occupy kids for any length of time, but it will delight. Adventurers don a headset and, for some games, weapons to dive into a fully immersive VR world with multiple adventures available, including a zombie wasteland, a pirate ship, a dragon attack, and a Squid Games-themed experience. It'll pull you into its world as your group follows instructions to complete quests inside each game. The St. Paul arcade and mini golf course — recently named one of the best mini golf courses in the country — is operating with extended hours during spring break, opening at 11 a.m. daily. (And don't forget admission is just $10 on Tuesdays and kids 5 and under are free every day.) There are dozens of arcade games to keep kids entertained for hours. Additionally, it's hosting a skateboard art workshop on always, there are storytimes for kids of all ages all around the Twin Cities. That includes community gathering places like Wild Rumpus bookstore, as well as libraries. (There are multiple storytimes over the week at Hennepin County Libraries and Ramsey County Libraries.) While there are plenty of other activities around the Twin Cities like zoos and indoor adventure parks (see Bring Me the News' list of winter activities for kids for more details on some of those), it's also nice enough to get outside. Go to a park, take a hike, or explore a state park. (And don't forget, many libraries will let you check out a free pass to Minnesota's state parks!)
