Published: 25 March 2026GlobalSecurity / Central Chronicle / Outlook IndiaRajasthan
India Accelerates Lithium Exploration at Degana (Rajasthan) and Reasi (J&K); Rare Earth Magnet Production Target Set at 5,000 Tonnes by 2030
AQuick answer
India is actively conducting lithium surveys at Degana, Rajasthan and Reasi, J&K, as informed in Lok Sabha on March 25–26, 2026, targeting 5,000 tonnes/year rare earth magnet production by 2030 — as part of the Critical Minerals Mission to reduce 90%+ lithium import dependence.
On March 25–26, 2026, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that India is accelerating its rare earth and lithium exploration programmes, with preliminary survey activities actively underway at Degana in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, and Reasi district in Jammu & Kashmir. India aims to scale domestic production capacity of rare earth permanent magnets to 5,000 tonnes per year by 2030.
Degana is strategically significant as it represents India's second major lithium discovery after the Salal-Haimana deposits in Reasi, J&K (surveyed by the Geological Survey of India). Rajasthan's rock-based lithium deposits are more complex to extract compared to brine-based deposits but hold immense industrial potential. The Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) are leading the exploration.
Lithium is a critical mineral for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, energy storage systems, consumer electronics, defence applications, and space technology. Recent amendments have opened critical mineral exploration to private sector participation under a royalty and revenue-sharing framework. India currently imports over 90% of its lithium requirements. Domestic exploration at Degana and Reasi is central to India's Critical Minerals Mission (2023) and its broader push for Atmanirbharta in clean energy transition. For Rajasthan, this also presents an economic opportunity given the state's vast mineral wealth.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse the strategic significance of India's accelerated lithium exploration at Degana (Rajasthan) and Reasi (J&K) for the Critical Minerals Mission and achieving self-reliance in clean energy transition.
Answer (50 words):
Union Minister Jitendra Singh informed Lok Sabha on March 25-26, 2026 that India is conducting lithium surveys at Degana, Nagaur and Reasi, J&K, with AMD and GSI leading. With over 90 percent lithium imports, India targets 5,000 tonnes per year rare-earth magnet production by 2030 under the Critical Minerals Mission.
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CoverageRajasthanSubjectEconomicExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceGlobalSecurity / Central Chronicle / Outlook India
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Linked questionMedium
By 2030, what is India's targeted annual production capacity of rare earth permanent magnets, as announced in the Lok Sabha?
Explanation · Correct answer CUnion Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that India aims to scale domestic production of rare earth permanent magnets to 5,000 tonnes per year by 2030.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Critical Minerals Mission and which minerals does it prioritise?
India's Critical Minerals Mission was launched in 2024 to reduce dependence on imports for minerals essential to clean energy, technology, and defence. It identifies 30 critical minerals for strategic domestic development, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earth elements, and titanium. The mission focuses on exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of these minerals within India.
Why is lithium considered a critical mineral and what are its key applications?
Lithium is considered a critical mineral because it is indispensable for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), grid-scale energy storage systems, portable electronics, and defence applications. India currently imports over 90% of its lithium requirements, making domestic exploration a strategic necessity to reduce supply-chain vulnerability and support the EV transition.
What is the significance of Degana, Rajasthan in the context of lithium exploration?
Degana in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, is historically significant as the site of India's only tungsten mine. It has now emerged as a lithium exploration prospect, with active surveys confirmed in Lok Sabha on March 25–26, 2026. Degana's RPSC relevance lies in its dual identity — tungsten and lithium — making it a key topic for Rajasthan's mineral resources in competitive exams.
Where was India's first lithium discovery made, what is its estimated reserve, and when was it announced?
India's first significant lithium discovery was made in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, in February 2023 by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The estimated reserve is approximately 5.9 million tonnes, which would be among the world's largest if confirmed. Active exploration surveys continue at Reasi, as confirmed in the Lok Sabha in March 2026.
What is India's target for rare earth permanent magnet production by 2030 and why is it significant?
India has set a target of producing 5,000 tonnes per year of rare earth permanent magnets by 2030. Rare earth magnets are essential components in EV motors, wind turbines, defence systems, and electronics. Currently, China dominates global rare earth magnet production. Achieving this target would reduce India's strategic dependence on Chinese imports for critical technology inputs and support domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
