Why in News?
Rajasthan became the first state in India to execute an exploration licence for a Rare Earth Elements (REE) block on July 30, 2026, under the Centre's new critical minerals policy.
Key Points
The licence covers 207.6 sq km in the Nawatala-Devigarh region across Balotra and Jodhpur districts.
It was awarded to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDI), a public sector enterprise.
Geological studies identified lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium in the block.
These minerals are essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, aerospace, and telecommunications.
Exam Connect
Rare Earth Elements → 17 elements (15 lanthanides + scandium + yttrium) → used in high-tech industries → India aims to reduce import dependence.
CMPDI → Miniratna Category-I subsidiary of Coal India Limited → established 1975 → headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand.