Arunachal Pradesh is not just a land of breathtaking mountains and ancient tribes — it may also be sitting on an energy and mineral treasure that could change the state’s economic story forever.
The Push from the Top
Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul made that case loud and clear on Monday, August 10, when she chaired a high-level review meeting on geothermal exploration in the Tawang region and critical mineral exploration across the state. Pul called for expediting geothermal energy and critical mineral exploration, stressing the need to harness geological resources responsibly for sustainable development and energy security. She didn’t mince words — the state has the potential, and the time to act is now. She called for greater coordination among scientific institutions, public sector undertakings, and government agencies.
From Science to Real Life
One of the most grounded moments of the meeting came when the spotlight fell on something surprisingly practical. The geothermal drying technology demonstrated by the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) at Dirang was highlighted as a potential model that could be replicated in other suitable areas. Think about that for a second — farmers and agri-businesses using the Earth’s own heat to dry produce. No fuel costs, no generators, no diesel smoke. Pul said technologies such as geothermal drying can have direct livelihood applications, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors, and that successful models should be identified, refined and replicated wherever feasible. That’s not just policy talk — that’s something villages can actually use.
Tawang and the Mineral Frontier
The meeting reviewed geothermal exploration and resource assessment being undertaken by CES&HS in collaboration with Oil India Limited (OIL) in the Tawang region. Tawang, already famous for its monastery and border significance, could soon be known for something else entirely. Pul emphasised the need to explore both the direct use of geothermal heat and its potential for power generation. On the minerals front, the stakes are equally high. The meeting reviewed critical mineral exploration, particularly the Phop Graphite and Vanadium Block, which was acquired by OIL in Tranche-IV of the Ministry of Mines’ auction process. Graphite and vanadium — two minerals that are increasingly critical for batteries and clean energy technology globally.
Who Was in the Room
This wasn’t a small discussion. Science and Technology Secretary Wayong Khimhun, CES&HS Director Tana Tage, OIL Resident Chief Executive Binayananda Bharali, and senior officials of OIL and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) attended the meeting. The presence of top officials from both scientific and corporate bodies signals that this is moving beyond just intention into actual execution — or at least, that’s the hope.
A State at a Crossroads
Arunachal Pradesh has long been described as resource-rich but development-lagged. If the geothermal wells and mineral blocks translate into real infrastructure, real jobs, and real energy security — and not just MoUs gathering dust in a cabinet — this could be a genuine turning point. The mountains have always held secrets. The question is whether the right people will unlock them fast enough.
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