According to the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Discovery and Research, India is ramping up its rare earth mineral discovery and mining efforts.
With an estimated 13.15 million tonnes of monazite and 7.23 million tonnes of in-situ rare earth oxide resources, India possesses 136 beach sand mineral deposits as of January 28, 2026. The states of Gujarat and Rajasthan also include three hard rock deposits with a combined estimated 1.29 million tonnes.
Strict regulations apply to monazite because of its association with radioactive materials. India has the potential to be a rare earth powerhouse, but the country is struggling with issues like low-quality minerals and a lack of downstream and midstream industry.
The allocation of Rs 7,280 crore to construct a yearly capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes is part of a plan to develop rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing, which has been authorised by the government.
