Assam is a mineral rich state with rare earths and critical minerals being found in the state. With peace returning after 30 years, areas which were unapproachable earlier, are now free. During the Advantage Assam Investment Summit, 14 MoUs were signed in the mining sector alone and the government is working to turn these potentials into reality, said Ajay Tewari, additional chief secretary to Assam government at the 3rd edition of Minerals and Mining Conclave 2025 organised by ASSOCHAM.
Delving into India’s quest for minerals and development goals, Mr Tewari said: “The world was expecting India to be Net Zero by 2050 or 2060, but we were clear that we cannot compromise with India’s growth trajectory. Mining sector is an integral part of India’s energy security and we have to become a developed country in a sustainable manner.”
“At Davos, there was pressure from G7 countries that we should stop and foreclose the thermal power plants but we are going through a trajectory and will continue with our thermal power stations. We have already announced 500 gigawatts of renewable sources and will install brown-field thermal power stations up to 75 gigawatts by 2040. The requirement of energy is huge. We cannot meet that requirement from renewable sources alone.” he added.
Asit Saha, director general, Geological Survey of India, said: “India has got a very good ecosystem as far as these bulk minerals are concerned and everything is in place, but as regards the most talked about commodities at this moment, the rare earths and rare metals, there is a lot to be done. Around 50 per cent of GSI’s exploration projects are focused on rare earths and rare metals, vital for EVs and clean energy technologies. We have got a very good prospect in Assam, West Bengal and the North East where G2 stage exploration is going on.”