Parliament Question: Rare Earth Elements (REE) Exploration in West Bengal

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.*359 ANSWERED ON 12.08.2026 RARE EARTH ELEMENTS (REE) EXPLORATION IN WEST BENGAL *359. SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) the current status of mineral exploration at G2 (General Exploration) stage in the blocks at Belma-Malthor, Chirugora, Mednitar and Purdaha in Purulia district, West Bengal, including quantum of drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys completed and resource estimates established or expected therefrom; (b) whether GSI has formulated any timeline for upgrading these G2 blocks to G1 (Detailed Exploration) stage and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any of these blocks are being considered for auction as Composite Licences or Mining Leases upon completion of G2 exploration and if so, the expected timeline and modalities thereof; and (d) the details of the specific steps being taken by the Government to enhance the commercial attractiveness of REE blocks in West Bengal for prospective bidders given that the Kalapathar-Raghudih REE block has received no bids under Tranche VI? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY) (a) to (d): A statement is laid on the table of the House. *****THE STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.359 REGARDING 'RARE EARTH ELEMENTS (REE) EXPLORATION IN WEST BENGAL' ASKED BY SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR REPLY ON 12.08.2026. (a) and (b): The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has completed field work for general exploration for Rare Earth Elements (REE) mineralisation in Belma-Malthor block in Purulia district, West Bengal under which geophysical surveys of 50 Line Kilometers and 2001.95 meters of drilling have been carried out along with collection of 2400 core samples. Further, Chirugora, Mednitar and Purdaha blocks in Purulia district have been successfully upgraded from G3 to G2 stage of exploration during field season 2026-27. So far, any resource of REE has not been established from these blocks. In accordance with the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulations) Amendment Act, 2015 and subsequent amendments in Mineral (Evidence of Minerals and Content) Rules, 2015, GSI has been mandated to carry out exploration upto G2 stage (general exploration). (c): The auction of a mineral block depends on the quantum and grade of mineral resource established in that block. Blocks are considered for auction based on its mineral resources . As no resource of REE has so far been established for these blocks these have not been considered for auction. (d): During auction process to enhance commercial attractiveness of blocks including REE blocks in the State of West Bengal, roadshows and outreach programmes are organised by the government with the objective of engaging prospective bidders and other stakeholders from the mining sector. These initiatives are intended to encourage wider participation and provide a comprehensive understanding of the investment opportunities. *****