MINERAL POTENTIAL OF ASSAM AND NORTHEAST INDIA

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified the Northeast region, especially Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, as a mineral-rich zone for critical and strategic resources.

Key Mineral Resources Identified

  1. Rare Earth Elements (REEs):
  • REEs include 17 elements critical for electronics, magnets, wind turbines, EVs, and defence systems.
  • Categorized into Light REEs (LREEs) and Heavy REEs (HREEs).
  1. Graphite and Vanadium (Arunachal Pradesh):
  • Graphite: 24.81 million tonnes.
  • Vanadium: 17.17 million tonnes.
  • High-potential sites: Lodoso (Papum Pare), West Siang, East Kameng districts.
  1. Rare Earth Elements (Arunachal Pradesh & Assam):

Arunachal Pradesh: 2.15 million tonnes of REE-bearing ferruginous phyllite (avg. grade 1.08% REE including Yttrium).

Assam:

  • 64 million tonnes of REE resources.
  • Jashora and Samchampi alkaline complexes: REE concentrations of 1000–5000 ppm, along with Niobium (Nb) and Yttrium (Y).
  • Assam-Meghalaya Gneissic Complex also holds REEs and Rare Metals.
  1. Limestone Deposits:

Meghalaya: 6,600+ million tonnes – extensive cement-grade resources.

Assam:

  • 1,490+ million tonnes from Dima Hasao district (Jaintia Group).
  • Suitable for industrial and cement applications.
  1. Coal and Base Metals:
  • Meghalaya and Nagaland: Hold significant coal and minor strategic metal reserves.
  • These are key for energy and metallurgical applications.
  1. Other Minerals in Assam:
  • Iron Ore: 29 million tonnes in Dhubri (Chandardinga); avg. Fe grade: 37.45%.
  • Glass Sand: High silica content from Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts.
  • Gold: Placer gold recorded in Subansiri River Basin (Upper Assam).
  • Indicator of upstream mineralization.
  • Lithium:
  • Potential in groundwater-hosted environments in Quaternary sediments.
  • A critical mineral for energy storage and EV batteries.

Exploration Status and Achievements (2015–2024):

  • Over 200 exploration projects undertaken in Northeast India.
  • 38 potential mineral blocks delineated across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
  • Findings documented through Geological Reports (GRs) and Geological Memorandums (GMs).

Strategic Implications for India

  • Enhances mineral self-reliance for critical materials under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Boosts India’s role in the global clean energy supply chain through REEs and lithium.
  • Offers economic opportunities in cement, electronics, metallurgy, and energy sectors.
  • Encourages infrastructure development and industrial investment in the Northeast region.

The Northeast, led by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is emerging as a strategic mineral hub for India. Sustainable exploration, eco-sensitive mining, and local stakeholder inclusion will be crucial to balance resource development with environmental and social responsibility.

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