On February 11, 2026, the Lok Sabha addressed Starred Question No. 172, posed by Shri Vivek Thakur, regarding a survey for rare earth materials. The Prime Minister was asked if the Government proposed to conduct a survey for rare earth materials in the Nawada and Sheikhpura districts of Bihar, and if so, the details thereof. The Prime Minister was also asked if the Government proposed to conduct scientific exploration/survey in these areas through Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and the proposed timeline for such a survey.
The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Prime Minister's Office (Dr. Jitendra Singh) stated that Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is carrying out G4-stage geological and radiometric surveys in Koderma district and adjoining areas, including parts of Nawada district, Bihar for exploration of critical and strategic minerals, including minerals of Rare Earth Elements (REE). However, at present AMD is not carrying out survey in Sheikhpura district, Bihar. The scientific exploration/survey is the mandate of AMD.
Key Entities Referenced
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD): A constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy responsible for exploration and research of atomic minerals.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): The department under which AMD functions.
Bihar: The state where the survey of rare earth materials is proposed and conducted.
Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL): An entity potentially involved in the survey and exploration of rare earth elements.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 172
ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026
SURVEY FOR RARE EARTH MATERIAL
*172. SHRI VIVEK THAKUR
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government proposes to conduct a survey regarding the potential
availability of rare earth materials in Nawada and Sheikhpura districts of Bihar and
if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to conduct scientific exploration/survey in the said
areas through Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL); and
(c) if so, the proposed timeline fixed to conduct the said survey and if not, the reasons
therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND
PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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1Government of India
Department of Atomic Energy
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A) TO (C) IN RESPECT OF LOK
SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 172 FOR REPLY ON 11.02.2026 REGARDING
“SURVEY FOR RARE EARTH MATERIAL” ASKED BY SHRI VIVEK THAKUR
(a) Yes, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a
constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), is carrying out G4-stage
geological and radiometric surveys in Koderma district and adjoining areas,
including parts of Nawada district, Bihar for exploration of critical and strategic
minerals, including minerals of Rare Earth Elements (REE). However, at present
AMD is not carrying out survey in Sheikhpura district, Bihar.
(b)&(c) Scientific exploration/survey is the mandate of Atomic Minerals Directorate for
Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE).
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