Parliament Question: Rare Earth Corridors

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-6137 ANSWERED ON 01/04/2026 RARE EARTH CORRIDORS 6137. DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government, in the General Budget 2026 has announced the establishment of Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors to strengthen exploration, mining, processing and value addition of rare earth elements in the country; (b) if so, the details of the proposed corridors, including identified mineral-bearing regions, industrial clusters, estimated financial outlay and implementation timeline thereof; (c) whether the corridors aim to reduce import dependence and enhance domestic capability in strategic sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defence manufacturing and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether any of the proposed corridors are planned in the State of Tamil Nadu, particularly in coastal or mineral-rich districts and if so, the details thereof, along with the expected economic benefits therefrom; (e) whether environmental safeguards, community consultations, and regulatory clearances have been factored into the implementation framework and if so, the details thereof; and (f) the steps taken to attract private investment, technology partnerships and downstream manufacturing under this initiative? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH) (a)&(b) Yes, Union Budget 2026–27 has announced the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in the states of Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These corridors will focus on mining, processing, research, and manufacturing thus aligning these initiatives with the national priorities of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Net Zero 2070, and Viksit Bharat @ 2047, while positioning India as a key player in global advanced materials value chains.(c) Yes, the dedicated Rare Earth Corridors proposed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu states aim to reduce import dependence and enhance domestic capability in strategic sectors. The RE corridor aims to establish an integrated domestic ecosystem for mining, refining, and manufacturing. India’s import reliance on key minerals used for the production of items in strategic sectors such as electronics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and defence manufacturing can be regulated through the RE corridor by boosting local sourcing enhancing strategic self-reliance. (d) Yes, The Government has proposed Rare Earth Corridor in Tamil Nadu state along with Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. (e )&(f) A Joint Working Group (JWG) consisting of members representing all stakeholders is being constituted for formulation of guidelines (SOP) to establish dedicated Rare Earth corridors in the identified states and the JWG is expected to examine all aspects before finalising the SOP. *****