Rajasthan Issues First Rare Earth Exploration Licence

Rajasthan became the first state in India to execute an exploration licence for rare earth elements on 29 July 2026. The licence covers 207.63 square kilometres in the Navatala-Devigarh (Pachpadra) region of Balotra district and Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur district.

Rare Earth Elements and Their Uses

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements that include the 15 lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium. Lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium are among the REE minerals identified in the Rajasthan block.

Exploration Licence Framework

An exploration licence is a legal permission for prospecting and geological investigation before mineral extraction. The licence in Rajasthan was granted to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited, and the agreement was executed by the Department of Mines and Geology of Rajasthan.

Critical Minerals Regime in India

The Rajasthan licence became the first exploration licence agreement signed under India’s updated critical minerals regulatory regime. The Centre began auctioning critical and strategic mineral blocks in 2024, and the first phase of exploration licence auctions followed in 2025.

Important Facts for Exams

• Rare earth elements are used in magnets, electronics, batteries, and defence-related technologies.
• India classifies several minerals as critical and strategic because of their industrial and security value.
• Balotra district and Jodhpur district are located in western Rajasthan.
• Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited is a public sector organisation under the coal and mining sector.

Administrative Context

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma holds the mines portfolio in Rajasthan. The exploration licence was executed under the state’s Department of Mines and Geology.