Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that a special corridor for rare and critical minerals will be established across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, marking a major step in strengthening India’s mineral security and industrial self-reliance. This announcement highlights the Union Government’s focus on securing strategic resources essential for future technologies and economic growth.
Rare and critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements are vital for industries including renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics, semiconductors, defence equipment, and advanced manufacturing. By creating a dedicated mineral corridor in these three mineral-rich states, the government aims to streamline exploration, extraction, processing, and transportation of these crucial resources.
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and odisha have been identified due to their geological potential, existing mining infrastructure, port connectivity, and industrial base. The proposed corridor is expected to attract significant domestic and foreign investment, promote public-private partnerships, and encourage the use of advanced and environmentally responsible mining technologies.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing India’s dependence on imports of critical minerals from other countries. Currently, many of these minerals are sourced from limited global suppliers, making supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical and market disruptions. The new corridor is intended to ensure supply chain resilience and national economic security.
The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities, boost regional development, and support downstream industries such as battery manufacturing, renewable energy equipment production, and electronics manufacturing. State governments will play a key role in facilitating land access, regulatory clearances, and skill development, while ensuring that mining activities adhere to strict environmental and social safeguards.
In addition, the government has indicated that sustainability and community welfare will be central to the project. Measures will be taken to minimize environmental impact, protect local ecosystems, and ensure fair compensation and development benefits for local and tribal communities.
In conclusion, the announcement of a special rare minerals corridor in tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and odisha represents a strategic move to position india as a global hub for critical minerals and clean-energy technologies. It underscores the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility and long-term national interests.
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