Assam Seeks to Tap into Rare Earth Elements and Unexplored Coal Reserves

As Assam, India's oil and tea-producing region, looks to expand its mining sector, it has made significant discoveries of rare earth elements and unexplored coal reserves. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) study on geological potential of North East India revealed "encouraging results" of rare earth elements concentration ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (parts per million) in Assam's Jashora and Samchampi alkaline complexes. The state is planning to tap into these reserves, alongside its existing oil and natural gas reserves, and has already started mobilizing public opinion in mineral-rich districts.

Key Takeaways:

• Assam's Jashora and Samchampi alkaline complexes have demonstrated "encouraging results" of rare earth elements concentration ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (parts per million).
• The state is planning to tap into its unexplored coal reserves, with a potential reserve of over 1,490 million tonnes in Dima Hasao district alone.
• Assam has initiated the process of giving clearances for mining activities, working in tandem with private players and government institutions to attract investments.
• The state is expected to see significant investment from the cement industry in the coming years, following the auction of five limestone blocks.
• Dalmia Bharat, Ambuja Cements, and Star Cement were among the preferred bidders for these blocks.
• The GSI report estimates that Assam's largest non-energy mineral resource is limestone, with over 1,490 million tonnes delineated in Dima Hasao district alone.
• The state government is working to mobilize public opinion in mineral-rich districts, which were earlier inaccessible due to insurgency.

Statistics:

• Rare earth elements concentration in Assam's Jashora and Samchampi alkaline complexes ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (parts per million).
• Estimated reserve of over 1,490 million tonnes of limestone in Dima Hasao district alone.
• Five limestone blocks were auctioned earlier in February, with Dalmia Bharat, Ambuja Cements, and Star Cement among the preferred bidders.
• Total investment of over Rs 46,000 crore in the mining sector, as highlighted in the Advantage Assam event in February, including 14 memorandum of understandings for over Rs 46,000 crore investment in the mining sector.

Sources:

• "Assam's Jashora and Samchampi alkaline complexes located in Karbi Anglong district have demonstrated 'encouraging results' of rare earth elements concentration ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (parts per million)" - Geological Survey of India (GSI) study
• "We are putting a lot of pressure on GSI to submit the reports quickly so that we can go for auction" - Ajay Tewari, additional chief secretary to the government of Assam, department of home, mines and minerals
• "The mineral rich districts of Assam, which were earlier unapproachable due to insurgency, can now benefit from mining activities" - Ajay Tewari, additional chief secretary to the government of Assam, department of home, mines and minerals
• "The GSI report estimates that Assam's largest non-energy mineral resource is limestone with over 1,490 million tonnes delineated in Dima Hasao district alone" - Geological Survey of India (GSI) report.