India Begins Rare Earth Mineral Exploration in Mizoram, Assam

• India begins critical mineral exploration in Mizoram and Assam.
• MMDR Bill 2025 drives mining sector reforms for self-reliance.
• NCMM targets Rs 16,300 crore for mineral mining, recycling by 2030-31.

India has begun exploring for critical minerals in Mizoram and Assam to strengthen its mineral security, as announced by Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on August 21, 2025. Reddy stressed the importance of working with northeastern states because of their unique legal systems. He pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh is participating in coal auctions for the first time, and similar initiatives are taking place in Mizoram and Assam. 

This exploration supports the government's goal of self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, to lessen dependence on imports amid global supply challenges.The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament, represents a major reform in the mining sector, especially for critical minerals and coal. Reddy called the bill a turning point.

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There are plans to further change the MMDR Act to ensure fair sales. Critical minerals are important for national security and industries such as electronics and aviation, and they are a priority. In the last five years, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has conducted 108 exploration projects in the Northeast, with 23 active in 2022-23. Nationwide, GSI plans to carry out 1,200 projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31 to improve mineral discoveries.

The Cabinet has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which has a budget of Rs 16,300 crore until 2030-31. It aims to address mining, beneficiation, and recycling. The mission expects Rs 18,000 crore in investments from both public and private sectors. The government is also urging private companies to explore critical minerals ove