Rare Earth Corridors

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has identified significant resources of Beach Sand Minerals (BSM) in the red (teri) sands and coastal beach sands of parts of Andhra Pradesh and other coastal regions.

Among these minerals, Monazite is the key rare earth-bearing mineral found in India. It occurs along with six other heavy minerals in beach sands. However, due to its radioactive nature, the extraction of monazite from coastal deposits is technically complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Mining operations are carried out strictly according to mining plans approved by AMD and within limits prescribed by various statutory authorities.

Rare Earth Corridors Announced in Union Budget 2026

The Government of India announced in the Union Budget 2026 the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth (RE) Corridors in mineral-rich coastal states:

• Odisha
• Kerala
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu

These corridors aim to promote mining, processing, research, and manufacturing related to rare earth elements and associated minerals.

Strategic Objectives

The proposed RE corridors seek to:

• Strengthen India’s rare earth ecosystem
• Increase production of Neodymium-Praseodymium Oxide (NdPr) and Samarium Oxide
• Encourage domestic manufacturing of rare earth magnets
• Facilitate industries in the titanium and zirconium value chains

Source: PIB