Bhubaneswar: India has announced the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a major step towards strengthening domestic capabilities in critical minerals.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the announcement as part of the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports in strategically vital sectors. The corridors are intended to create an integrated ecosystem covering mining, processing, research, and manufacturing of rare earth elements.
Rare earth minerals are essential inputs for defence technologies, electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing. Currently, global supply chains are heavily concentrated, with China dominating production and processing, making supply diversification a strategic priority for India.
Officials said the corridor-based approach will help streamline infrastructure development, attract private investment, promote research and innovation, and improve coordination between states and the Centre. The initiative is also expected to support downstream industries and enhance India’s position in global value chains for critical minerals.
The move aligns with India’s long-term industrial and strategic objectives, as demand for rare earth elements is projected to rise sharply with the global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies.
-OdishaAge
