GSI executes 36 mineral exploration in Odisha in 4 years

Kendrapada: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken up 36 mineral exploration projects in Odisha between 2021-22 and 2024-25, including 14 projects on rare earth elements and rare metals (REE-RM).For 2025-26, GSI has initiated 15 more exploration projects for critical minerals, of which three focus on REE-RM as the primary commodity. In addition, the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) has sanctioned 29 critical mineral exploration projects in the state, including three for REE and associated minerals, minister of state for coal and mines Satish Chandra Dubey informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.Replying to a question from BJP member Mamata Mohanta, the minister said that since the amendment to the MMDR Act in 2023, the Centre has auctioned 46 blocks of critical and strategic minerals, seven of which are in Odisha. A processing plant for rare earth minerals (beach sand) has been set up by IREL (India) Limited at Chhatrapur in Ganjam district. Five graphite beneficiation plants are operational in the state—three in Balangir, one in Koraput and one in Rayagada.

These facilities enable value addition, support local industry, and generate both direct and indirect employment, he said.The minister said the ministry of mines has implemented sustainable mining practices under Chapter V of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017, which mandate precautions against air and noise pollution, discharge of toxic liquids, and surface subsidence. Before grant of mineral concessions, lessees must obtain statutory clearances, including environmental clearance.

As part of this process, lessees conduct Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and prepare Environment Management Plans (EMP), and are required to implement approved mitigation measures.Rule 35 of MCDR, 2017 provides for star-rating of mining leases based on sustainable mining practices. Every lease holder must achieve at least a three-star rating within four years of starting operations and maintain it annually thereafter. The ministry of mines also supports research and development in mineral processing, metallurgical technologies and mineral beneficiation under the R&D and S&T-PRISM components of its science and technology programme, the minister added.