Parliament Question: Exploration for REE in Rohtas and Kaimur

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4077 ANSWERED ON 12.08.2026 EXPLORATION FOR REE IN ROHTAS AND KAIMUR

4077. SHRI MANOJ KUMAR:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Geological Survey of India (GSI) or other central agencies have conducted G4/G3 stage mineral exploration for Rare Earth Elements (REE), Potash

(Glauconite) and associated critical minerals in Rohtas and Kaimur districts of Bihar;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the survey findings, block locations, estimated mineral reserves and grade of deposits identified in these districts during the last five years;

(c) whether the Government proposes to auction any critical mineral blocks or issue exploration licenses in Rohtas and Kaimur under the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Act and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of funds allocated and roadmap envisioned to promote sustainable mining and processing infrastructure for critical minerals in the Sasaram Lok Sabha Constituency? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL AND MINES (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY)

(a) and (b): During the field season from 2021–22 to 2025–26, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) carried out one G3-stage exploration for Glauconite in the Madhukupia- Katudanr Block, Rohtas District, Bihar. The exploration resulted in the augmentation of 53.58 million tonnes of glauconite resources at an average grade of 4.36% K₂O in Glauconitic Sandstone and 354.24 million tonnes at an average grade of 4.68% K₂O in Grey Sandstone with black shale, both estimated at a 4% K₂O cut-off grade.

(c): The Central Government has successfully auctioned two Composite Licence blocks viz. Pipradih-Bhurwa Glauconite Block and Chutia-Nauhatta Glauconite Block in Rohtas District, Bihar under Tranche III. Further, Notice Inviting Tender for the auction of Nawara-Nawadih Glauconite Block and Tipa Glauconite Block in Rohtas district, Bihar has also been issued under Tranche VIII.

(d): National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is a pan-India initiative which aims to secure long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthen India’s critical mineral value chains encompassing all stages from mineral exploration and mining to beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.

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