Geological Survey of India Launches 40-50 Exploration Projects for Critical Minerals in Northeast, 10 in Meghalaya

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has launched nearly 200 exploration projects for critical minerals across the country this year, with a significant emphasis on the Northeast region. Among these, 40 to 50 projects are concentrated in the Northeast, including 10 specifically in Meghalaya, said GSI Director General Asit Saha.

This initiative aims to bolster the nation’s mineral resources, particularly in light of the increasing demand for critical minerals used in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Saha emphasized the ongoing work in Assam, where several significant projects are expected to yield promising results.

He expressed optimism about a major project in Assam, with a report expected soon.

He believes the discovery will lead to a mineral exploration boom in the region and increased hopes of finding similar deposits in Arunachal Pradesh and potentially in Meghalaya, marking a positive outlook for the entire Northeastern region.

Saha said that the work they are doing will be completed in March next year and they will submit the report.

Earlier in July, the Centre has released a list of 30 key critical minerals crucial to the nation’s economic growth and technological development.

Among the minerals are antimony, beryllium, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, graphite, hafnium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, PGE, phosphorous, potash, rare earth elements (REEs), rhenium, silicon, strontium, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, selenium, and cadmium.

Also Read: In a first, an Arunachal Court Grants Death Penalty to a Former Hostel Warden Accused of Raping and Molesting 21 School Students