India Accelerates Rare Earth and Lithium Exploration; Domestic Production Capacity of Rare Earth Permanent Magnet to Reach 5,000 Tonnes by 2030: Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha

• On 25 March 2026, MoS (IC) Science & Tech, Earth Sciences and DoAE Dr. Jitendra Singh told Lok Sabha that India will scale rare earth permanent magnet (REPM) capacity to 5,000 tonnes by 2030 and accelerate lithium exploration.
• Critical for EVs, renewables, electronics, defence, aerospace, space and AI energy systems; tied to the SHANTI Act, 2025 liberalisation and private-sector entry into atomic minerals.
• UPSC angle: intersects critical minerals strategy, GS-III economy/S&T, MMDR Amendment Act 2023, KABIL, IREL and Atomic Energy Act 1962.