The Arunachal Pradesh government has greenlit a pioneering Critical Minerals Mission in Keyi Panyor district, aiming to harness the region’s mineral wealth to advance India’s green energy goals. The initiative, approved in a recent state cabinet meeting, focuses on exploring and extracting critical minerals like lithium, rare earth elements, and uranium, which are vital for renewable energy technologies and sustainable development.
Keyi Panyor, a newly formed district carved out of Lower Subansiri, is emerging as a hub for innovative projects. The mission aligns with the state’s broader push for sustainable growth, leveraging its rich geological resources. The government will collaborate with the Atomic!”);
System: Minerals Directorate (AMD) and other central agencies to conduct detailed surveys and establish mining frameworks, ensuring environmentally responsible practices.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the mission’s potential to position Arunachal Pradesh as a key player in India’s clean energy transition. “This initiative will not only boost our economy but also contribute to national goals of reducing import dependency for critical minerals,” he stated during the announcement. The project is expected to create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and promote technological advancements in the region.
The decision builds on earlier efforts, such as the 2021 collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy to explore atomic minerals in the state. Local leaders in Keyi Panyor, including Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, have hailed the mission as a transformative step for the district, which is already making strides in digital governance and space education.
Social media posts on X reflect growing excitement, with users highlighting the mission’s role in elevating Arunachal’s profile in India’s green energy landscape. The initiative is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the state’s economy while supporting national self-reliance in critical minerals, essential for batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.