Vikarabad district reports rare earth mineral reserves
TELANGANA:Â Geological Survey experts have identified rare earth minerals along with critical minerals such as titanium and vanadium in Vikarabad district.
The deposits spread across 203 sq km in Mominpet and Marpalli mandals of Vikarabad district and Kondapur mandal in Sangareddy district.
Centre launches e-auction for mining licences
In this backdrop, the Union ministry of coal and mines on Thursday launched the e-auction process to issue licences to firms to extract these minerals. While the first phase of mining allocations was completed earlier across the country, the Centre has initiated steps for the second phase.
Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy said mineral-bearing areas have been identified at 11 locations nationwide. Of these, three are in Telangana.
He said rare earth and critical minerals have been identified in Mominpet on the Vikarabad–Sangareddy border, Chinnakodur in Siddipet district, and Kondagattu spanning Rajanna Sircilla and Jagtial districts.
Titanium finds strategic and medical applications
Titanium is a lightweight element and is stronger than steel. It is used in aircraft components, space equipment and missile systems.
It is also used in dental implants, medical devices inserted inside the body and in seawater purification. Its price is 40–50 times higher than steel.
