The North-East region of India is being seen as a potential goldmine for rare earth elements and other critical minerals that are vital for the country’s technological and clean energy ambitions. According to a recent report highlighted by the Economic Times, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified deposits of lithium, graphite, vanadium, cobalt, nickel, and other rare earth elements across states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland.
The deposits are estimated to be over 70 million tonnes, placing the region at the centre of India’s quest to reduce its dependence on imports, particularly from China, which currently dominates the rare earth supply chain. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electronics, defence equipment, renewable energy storage systems, and electric vehicle batteries, making them strategically significant for India’s future growth.
Among the North-Eastern states, Arunachal Pradesh has shown potential reserves of vanadium and lithium, while Assam and Meghalaya have graphite deposits. Nagaland and Manipur have been identified with occurrences of cobalt and nickel, which are crucial for battery production. Experts have noted that if tapped responsibly, these resources could transform the region into an economic growth hub while contributing to national security and energy independence.
However, the extraction of these resources is expected to face challenges due to the ecological sensitivity of the region and the need for sustainable, community-inclusive development. India’s domestic refining and processing capabilities also remain limited, requiring substantial infrastructure investment and policy reforms. While recent easing of Chinese export curbs has offered temporary relief, experts caution that long-term resilience lies in building strong domestic supply chains.
The discovery underscores the strategic importance of the North-East not only as a mineral-rich frontier but also as a key contributor to India’s clean energy transition and technological self-reliance.