US firms eye Jharkhand’s critical minerals sector

RANCHI: American companies have expressed interest in partnering with Jharkhand in the exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals, opening up fresh opportunities for investment and technology collaboration in a sector that is becoming increasingly important for clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.

The prospects were discussed during a meeting between Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and a US delegation led by Kathy Giles-Diaz in Ranchi on Tuesday.

During the discussions, state officials highlighted Jharkhand’s vast mineral wealth, including coal, iron ore, copper, bauxite, gold and limestone, while drawing attention to the state’s growing potential in critical minerals. Officials informed the delegation that more than 20 critical and strategic minerals have been identified in Jharkhand, including lithium, titanium, vanadium, silver and graphite, with exploration activities continuing in new areas.

The state government said it is actively engaging with leading global companies to attract investment and advanced technologies in mineral exploration and mining. Officials also discussed opportunities for interested firms to participate in mineral block auctions and undertake exploration and extraction activities using modern technologies.

A key development highlighted during the meeting was the interest shown by the US-based mining industry group USISPA, which has established contact with the Jharkhand government and expressed willingness to participate in the state’s open auction process for mineral blocks. The group is particularly interested in the exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals.

The discussions come at a time when countries around the world are seeking to secure supplies of critical minerals that are essential for battery manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, electronics and strategic industries. India’s push to strengthen domestic supply chains for such minerals has also increased interest in mineral-rich states like Jharkhand.

Officials believe international partnerships can help bring advanced exploration techniques, modern mining technologies and value-addition capabilities to the state, while creating new investment and employment opportunities.

The meeting was attended by Mines and Geology Secretary Arava Rajkamal, Mines Director Rahul Kumar Sinha and other senior officials from both sides.