Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the establishment of dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The aim is to reduce India’s dependence on imports and strengthen domestic capabilities in critical minerals. Both states have significant coastal mineral reserves, including monazite-rich sands that contain rare earth elements. The proposed support for mining, processing and research infrastructure is expected to be closely watched in the run-up to the elections. The Budget proposals come amid growing global competition for access to critical minerals, Sitharaman said in her Budget speech on Tuesday.