Gaurav Meets LG Sinha, Submits Memorandum On Strategic Potential Of Rare Earth Minerals In Jammu Province

Jammu, Apr 16: In a significant step toward economic transformation and strategic self-reliance, BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta met the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha Ji, and submitted a comprehensive memorandum advocating for the systematic exploration and utilization of Rare Earth and Critical Minerals (RECMs) in the Jammu region.
During the meeting, Gupta emphasized the growing global significance of critical minerals, stating that they are now essential for national sovereignty, economic security, defense manufacturing, and technological supremacy—particularly in key sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and renewable energy. Citing international examples, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reference to Ukraine’s rare earth reserves, Gupta highlighted the urgent need for India to bolster its own mineral security under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission spearheaded by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
He underlined the immense geological potential of Jammu, identifying districts such as Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur as rich in critical minerals like Monazite, Xenotime, and others. He specifically referred to the Geological Survey of India’s recent discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium ore in the Salal-Haimana block of Reasi, describing it as a game-changer for India’s clean energy and electric vehicle ambitions. Gupta also highlighted the presence of tungsten in the Kaplas Granite Pluton near Bikindra Peak in Kathua, Galena (lead sulfide) in Udhampur’s Sersandu–Kherikot area—mapped as early as 1920—and the valuable mica deposits in the Parmandal Sandstone, which have immense potential for sectors such as electronics, insulation, cosmetics, paints, and especially semiconductors.
In addition, Kishtwar’s world-renowned sapphire reserves were discussed as a strategic asset with immense potential for high-value gemstone mining and export. Gupta stressed that this unique natural resource should be scientifically explored and sustainably developed to maximize its economic and global branding potential.
Gupta pointed to the Ministry of Mines’ recent reclassification of minerals like mica, quartz, felspar, and barytes as “major minerals” and noted that the timing is ideal for Jammu to rise as a national leader in the critical minerals sector. “Jammu is poised to become the epicentre of Rare Earth and Critical Minerals in India,” he asserted.
To realize this vision, Gupta proposed the formation of a High-Level Task Force under the UT Administration, to work in close coordination with national institutions such as GSI, MECL, CSIR, DRDO, ISRO, and IITs. He also called for a dedicated Jammu & Kashmir RECM Policy to attract investments, simplify regulatory processes, and offer business-friendly incentives.
Further, Gupta proposed setting up a Centre of Excellence for Critical Mineral Technology in Jammu to foster advanced research, skill development, and industrial innovation. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive and environmentally responsible mining model that could create thousands of skilled and semi-skilled jobs, uplift local communities, and support entrepreneurship in mineral processing, logistics, and high-value manufacturing.
He also highlighted the strategic relevance of mineral control for India’s technological sovereignty, particularly in defense production and semiconductor development. Concluding his presentation, Gupta stated that Jammu’s untapped mineral wealth could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future as an economic and technological powerhouse. He expressed full confidence in the visionary leadership of Hon’ble LG Shri Manoj Sinha Ji and assured his full cooperation in any consultative or collaborative efforts to bring this transformative vision to life.
The Lieutenant Governor listened attentively to the suggestions and appreciated Gaurav Gupta’s thorough research and forward-thinking approach. He assured that the administration would examine the proposal in detail and initiate appropriate steps in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

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