By Shishir Arya
Publication Date: 2026-02-19 03:58:00
Nagpur: As rare earth elements (REEs) are a buzzword these days, the latest data compiled by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) shows that Maharashtra has the highest resources of the new-age mineral. REEs include 17 types of specialty metas and have a major use in the defence manufacturing sector, leading to sudden global focus.Data compiled by the Nagpur-headquartered mining sector regulator, shows that India has over 29 lakh tons of estimated REE resources. Of this, over 12 lakh tons, which comes to 41% of the country’s total resource, lie in Maharashtra, as per the data. Gujarat has the second-highest resources at 11 lakh tons after Maharashtra.In Vidarbha, public sector mining company, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), is exploring RREs in the overburden — earth dug out for mining coal. Samples have been sent to the non-ferrous metals technology development centre (NFTDC) at Hyderabad. WCL plans to issue tenders for exploration in other mines. The govt too is stressing on…
