Aspirant Academy

Geography

Current Affairs Integration

Mineral Resources of Rajasthan: Types, Distribution, Industrial Uses

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 12 of 14 0 PYQs 38 min
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Current Affairs Integration

Recent Developments

  • Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 (November 2024): The Bhajanlal government released this comprehensive policy targeting 70 minerals mined by 2047, 1 crore jobs, and 50 pre-cleared block auctions. It explicitly includes critical minerals (lithium, REE) for clean energy — a first for a Rajasthan state mineral policy. Aligns with India's National Critical Minerals Mission launched by the Union Ministry of Mines in February 2024.

  • Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit (December 2024): The summit facilitated MoUs worth ₹35 lakh crore, with mineral and mining-linked industry (cement, zinc, processing) among the sectors targeted. The Summit positioned Rajasthan's mineral wealth as the anchor for industrial FDI.

  • Rajasthan M-Sand Policy 2024: Introduced to reduce illegal river sand mining (bajri) — a major environmental issue in Rajasthan's rivers (Chambal, Banas, Luni). Provides incentives for manufactured sand production from stone quarry waste.

  • Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (2024-25 operations): Conducted 4,980 meters of core drilling for limestone and base metals; prepared 21 e-auction blocks. Focus on base metal exploration in Aravalli belt is increasing prospective areas for future auctions.

  • HZL Disinvestment debate (2022-2025 ongoing): Government of India's proposal to divest its 29.54% stake in Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) has been contested by minority shareholders and in courts. Resolution will determine future of Rajasthan's zinc-silver mining landscape. As of early 2026, the matter remains sub-judice.

  • National Critical Minerals Mission (February 2024): Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals for India; Rajasthan has strategic potential for tungsten (Degana), REE (carbonatites), and emerging lithium prospects. The Rajasthan government has activated exploration through the Mineral Exploration Trust.

Potential Exam Questions from Current Affairs

  1. Possible question: What are the key features of the Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024? How does it address sustainable and transparent mineral development?
    Answer pointers: E-auctions for major minerals; GPS/geo-fencing for illegal mining control; 70 minerals target by 2047; 1 crore employment target; ESG/zero-waste mining; critical mineral promotion (lithium, REE); 50 pre-cleared auction blocks; establishment of State Mining Company.

  2. Possible question: Examine Rajasthan's potential as a hub for critical and strategic minerals, with reference to tungsten, rare earth elements, and emerging lithium prospects.
    Answer pointers: Degana tungsten (Pali/Nagaur) — India's only deposit, strategic for defence and superalloys; REE in carbonatite hosts (AMD exploration ongoing); lithium — no confirmed large deposit yet, but Rajasthan geology has potential; National Critical Minerals Mission 2024 convergence; Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 focus on critical minerals; infrastructure challenges (power, water, roads in desert terrain).

  3. Possible question: What is the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT)? How does Rajasthan's DMFT use mineral royalties for community development?
    Answer pointers: Created by MMDR Amendment Act, 2015; non-profit trust in mining-affected districts; funded by share of royalty; ₹7,952.74 crore sanctioned for 19,289 works in Rajasthan; funds spent on health, education, drinking water, roads under PMKKKY; ₹5,085.90 crore spent up to December 2024; addresses enclave-economy critique of mineral extraction.