Newsletter January, 2027: Budget 2026 Announces Strategic Push for Rare Earth Corridors to Strengthen India’s Critical Minerals
January, 2026
Newsletter
Justice in Mining Network
South Asia
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Dear friends,
Johar!
Recent developments show that mining is expanding under the banner of green transition and critical minerals for national security. India’s invitation to join the US-led Pax Silica alliance highlights how access to lithium, cobalt, rare earths and other strategic minerals has become central to geopolitics, semiconductor supply chains, electric vehicles and clean energy systems. At high-level international meetings, India has emphasized building resilient and trusted mineral supply chains, signalling a strong policy push to secure overseas and domestic resources. Simultaneously, domestic industrial investments reinforce this trajectory. Tata Steel’s ₹11,100 crore commitment in Jharkhand for green steel technology, announced at the World Economic Forum, is framed as low-carbon industrial growth. However, such transitions still depend on intensified extraction of iron ore, coal alternatives, and critical inputs, deepening mining-linked infrastructure. Budget 2026 further institutionalizes this expansion through proposed rare earth corridors across multiple states, integrating exploration, mining, processing and manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen self-reliance. At the same time, new gold mining projects in forested and Adivasi regions of Jharkhand demonstrate how mineral exploration is advancing into ecologically sensitive and inhabited areas, as in seen the Khuntkatti villages or the original villages of the Munda Adivasis. Together, these initiatives reveal that the global shift toward green energy is not reducing mining but reconfiguring and accelerating it in the name of sustainability and strategic autonomy. The issues of displacement and need to uphold indigenous rights prevail more than ever.
In fact, mining and land acquisition is increasing because the government is easily putting any mineral under the category of ‘critical minerals’ to justify the urgency of their mining for national defence or interest. However, the problem with critical minerals arises when acquisition of such minerals is exempted from public consultation requirements. It puts the vulnerable communities and eco-sensitive zones under serious threat.
There is escalating violence, criminalisation, and legal manipulation surrounding Adivasi land struggles in India. The commemoration of the 2006 Kalinganagar massacre recalls how 14 Adivasi villagers were killed in police firing while resisting land acquisition for a steel plant, symbolising the use of state force to facilitate corporate-led industrial projects. Contemporary accounts show similar patterns, where Adivasi leaders opposing mining and militarisation are jailed under stringent security laws such as UAPA, turning democratic resistance into a criminal offence. In Odisha’s Sijimali hills, investigations reveal alleged fabrication of Gram Sabha resolutions to secure forest clearance for Vedanta’s bauxite mine, with forged signatures of minors, deceased persons, and absent villagers. Despite local opposition, authorities reported compliance with the Forest Rights Act.
Civil movement has resulted some positive results in accountability and rights recognition. The Jharkhand government has announced the formation of a committee to identify and honour families of the 1948 Kharsawan massacre and the 1980 Gua firing martyrs, affirming historical justice and Adivasi sacrifice. In the Adani coal mining case, the Union Environment Ministry has sought an official investigation into alleged land record manipulation, signalling scrutiny of corporate practices. At the international level, the UN High Seas Treaty will come into force in January 2026, establishing a binding framework to protect marine biodiversity in global waters. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has also formally raised concerns with India regarding Indigenous and minority rights. Locally, sustained protests led to employment and rehabilitation commitments for displaced families at UCIL’s Narwapahar mines, demonstrating the impact of collective action and democratic engagement.
Justice in Mining Network looks forward to your solidarity and feedback.
justiceinminingnetwork@gmail.com
Compiled by: Deepti Mary Minj
Edited by: Dr P.M. Tony
EXPANSION OF MINING AND ENERGY SECTOR
Jharkhand chief minister held a series of meetings and deliberations with global industry giants and policy makers, who pledged investments in Jharkhand during his World Economic Forum, held in Davos, Switzerland from January 19-23, 2026. To push the state’s thrust on green technology, India’s sustainable industrial transition, Tata Steel has announced an investment of Rs 11,100 crore in Jharkhand for next-gen industrial infrastructure and provide jobs. The state government and Tata Steel Ltd signed a letter of intent (LOI) and memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard. The agreement aims at supporting India’s transition towards so-called low carbon, environmentally responsible industrial growth. The partnership will bring advanced green steel technologies from the Netherlands and Germany to Jharkhand. Click here to read more. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/world-economic-forum-tata-steel-agrees-to-invest-rs-11k-crore-green-steel-tech-in-jharkhand/articleshow/126847517.cms
The Santhal Pargana region holds immense potential to become a hub for energy, industrial investment, and employment in the coming years. With 15.05 billion tons of coal reserves and 28 coal blocks, Santhal Pargana has the potential to become a major source of the nation's and state's energy needs in the future. Several districts, including Dumka, Pakur, Godda, and Deoghar, are crucial for energy production. Furthermore, this region offers a new ray of hope for the local economy and employment. It is worth noting that the estimated value of the 15.03 billion tons of coal reserves is over ₹30 lakh crore, based on official reports from the Geological Survey of India, Coal India, the State Mineral Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Coal. It is estimated that this wealth could generate approximately ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 crore in revenue from royalties, taxes, and other duties over the next 30 to 40 years. Dumka district's contribution is significant in this area. It has 6.441 million tons of coal reserves across 16 coal blocks. Pakur, meanwhile, has approximately 3500 million tons of coal across five blocks. Considering the Godda and Deoghar blocks together, the combined reserves are estimated at approximately 2600 million tons. Coal production in Santhal Pargana is expected to spur industrial investment, whether in thermal power plants or steel and cement factories. Industrial expansion is expected. This will not only increase energy production but also create significant local infrastructure and employment opportunities. Several major projects are underway in Santhal Pargana, including the Pachwara South and Mahuagarhi coal projects in Dumka, Pachwara North and Central Deoghar coal projects in Pakur, and the Rajmahal coal project in Godda. It is believed that coal production will directly generate employment opportunities. Each block is estimated to employ over 1,000 people in mining, machinery operation, security, technical, and administrative roles. In addition, indirect employment opportunities will be created in transportation, construction, hospitality, machinery supply, and small businesses. Click here to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z00SGxp-a38
Budget 2026 has proposed government support for developing rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, marking a strategic move to strengthen India’s critical minerals ecosystem. The initiative aims to boost domestic production, reduce import dependence, support clean energy technologies, and enhance India’s industrial and technological self-reliance in emerging global value chains. Rare earth elements play a vital role in a wide range of modern technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, semiconductors, defence systems, and advanced electronics. As global demand for these materials rises rapidly, securing a reliable domestic supply has become a key priority for India’s long-term industrial strategy. By backing rare earth corridors, the government aims to create integrated regional ecosystems that cover exploration, mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling. These corridors are expected to attract investment, promote innovation, and facilitate collaboration between public sector units, private companies, research institutions, and state governments. Click here to read more. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222413®=3&lang=2#:~:text=Union%20Budget%202026–27:%20Rare,self%2Dreliance%20and%20clean%20energy
As part of ongoing structural reforms in the mining sector and in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, the Government of India has notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The decision has been taken based on the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals (HLC-VB) and policy inputs from NITI Aayog, recognising the strategic role of coking coal in ensuring mineral security and meeting the requirements of the domestic steel sector. India has an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, largely located in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. The inclusion of coking coal in this category is expected to facilitate faster approvals, improve ease of doing business, and accelerate exploration and mining activities, including of deep-seated deposits. Mining of critical minerals is exempt from public consultation requirements and permits the utilisation of degraded forest land for compensatory afforestation, measures that are also expected to encourage greater private sector participation. Click here to read more. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2219947®=3&lang=2
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Jojobeda village in Khunti, Credits: Author |
Currently, several gold mining projects are proposed in the Khunti, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and Ranchi districts of Jharkhand. The areas identified for these projects are almost entirely mountainous and densely forested. Two gold mining blocks in Babaikundi and Sindoori Ghanshyampur in the Tamar region have already been auctioned. Gold mining is also proposed in the Parsi Buru area near Diuri Diri, near Tamar, which was auctioned by the Rungta Company . Additionally, mining has been completed in the Pundidiri and Hudangada areas, with only excavation work remaining. A gold mining project is also proposed in the Jojobeda-Ulihurang area of Adki block in Khunti district. The proposed exploration work of the project covers an area of approximately 10.61 square kilometers, where G-4 level surveys have been completed. G-4 level surveys indicate that preliminary investigations into mining potential have been completed. The designated 10.61 square kilometer area includes dense forests, large mountains, and several inhabited villages. Dinesh Munda, a resident of Jojobeda , the project's focal point, explains that the designated area includes 14 mouzas (villages). These include Jojodih, Barubeda, Huruwa, Lobo, Lebed, Jojobeda, Korwa Chatomsal, Rabo, Kitadih, Burudih, Doreya, Badani, and Atra. Dinesh Munda says that when the survey was being conducted in this area, no one in the village was informed. To this day, the villagers have not been officially informed about the project. He adds, “I learned a little about it through newspapers and word of mouth. On November 30th, a public meeting was called by the villagers in Korwan village. During the discussion, it was revealed that gold mining was to take place within a radius of about 10 kilometers from Ulihudang village .” Click here to read more. https://www.adivasilivesmatter.com/post/jharkhand-gold-mining-jojobed%D0%B0-ulihurgan-adivasi-rights
Jharkhand's Garhwa district is likely to have reserves of the valuable nuclear mineral uranium. The Directorate of Atomic Minerals Exploration and Research (AMD), a premier central government agency, is conducting extensive exploration for this purpose. This work is underway in various areas of the Ramna and Dandai blocks of the district. The discovery of this valuable mineral raises the possibility of a large mining project in the future. According to the information received, work from G-Four to G-Two phase is in progress to detect the presence of uranium in Chundi, Bhagodih, Jirua of Ramna block and Karke area of Dandai block. At present, there has been no official announcement of a uranium mine in Garhwa district, but ongoing exploration work points towards big projects in the future. Click here to read more. https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/garhwa-garhwa-uranium-exploration-amd-surveys-potential-reserves-40100626.html
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Pax Silica| Credits: U.S. Department of State https://www.state.gov/pax-silica |
India's ongoing push to secure critical minerals is turning into one of its most crucial strategic projects, shaped by geopolitics and industrial policy. The shift became clearer this week after the United States said it would invite India to join the Pax Silica alliance. At the same time, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in a high-level critical mineral meeting hosted by the US Treasury in Washington. At the ministerial meeting, Vaishnaw spoke about the need for resilient and trusted supply chains for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths and permanent magnets, according to people familiar with the discussions. Rare earth minerals such as these are used in semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, electric vehicles and clean energy systems. Click here to read more. https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/pax-silica-invite-puts-india-s-critical-minerals-push-under-geopolitical-spotlight-article-13772883.html Click here to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu4km9g4rjw
VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS
Twenty years ago, on 2 January in 2006, 14 Adivasi villagers were killed in police firing at Kalinganagar in Odisha, when they resisted the forcible acquisition of their land by TISCO to set up a mega steel plant. To break the people’s resistance, the Odisha police went on a rampage and fired indiscriminately to chase away the protestors. Many died on the spot, while several were grievously injured. The police carried away the dead bodies and the injured, and later when they returned the dead bodies to the families, it was discovered that five of them had their palms chopped off. Kalinganagar is a classic example of the use of brute force by the government to kill, maim and mutilate its own citizens, to usurp their land and livelihood-resources, and offer the said land as gifts them to the corporates. Click here to read more. https://www.groundxero.in/2021/01/02/commemorating-the-martyrdom-of-adivasi-villagers-massacred-in-kalinganagar/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP75wFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNaVk0TXpOU2g0T2tBWndlc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrbmxBBmCrePELHy5U3otShYnPeuoYArMfidziwWJfvRcmSJ4OKIcpYyius6_aem_tb_iS7aB7LESc4WGAQMuGw
The arrests of Kartik Naik and Suneeta Pottam reveal how Adivasi leaders opposing mining, security camps, and land dispossession are criminalised through IPC charges, organisational bans, and stringent security laws like UAPA and CSPSA. From colonial forest laws to contemporary development and conservation regimes, Adivasis have been systematically recast as ‘encroachers’ and ‘extremists’ for asserting constitutionally protected rights over land, forests, and self-governance. Organisational bans and guilt-by-association allow the State to suppress democratic movements, enabling indefinite incarceration without proof of individual wrongdoing and turning political assertion into a punishable offence. Click more to read here. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/voices-from-prison-how-indias-security-laws-criminalise-adivasi-resistance
Villagers say meetings never took place; consent documents carry names of minors, deceased persons, and non-residents. Authorities in Odisha claim that 10 Gram Sabhas in the Sijimali hills approved the diversion of 708 hectares of forest land for Vedanta’s proposed bauxite mine. However, an investigation reveals that these consents were allegedly fabricated. Villagers across Rayagada and Kalahandi districts state that no Gram Sabhas were held, no prior notices were issued, and many residents were either absent, misled, or intimidated by heavy police presence on the reported date of approval.
Documents accessed through the RTI Act show signatures of people who deny attending any meeting, as well as names of minors, deceased persons, migrants, and even individuals who never lived in the villages. Some residents discovered their names on official resolutions only years later. Despite widespread local protests and objections, officials reported full compliance with the Forest Rights Act. The case highlights serious concerns about forged tribal consent, procedural violations, and the undermining of Adivasi forest and community rights in the push for large-scale mining projects. Click here to read more. https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/sijimali-bauxite-mining-gram-sabha-fraud/article70463304.ece/amp/
In a move that further weakens India’s forest conservation laws, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is all set to open forests for commercial plantations by private and government entities without the requirement of a one-time monetary compensation, called net present value (NPV), and compensatory afforestation. Such plantations will now come under forestry activity. This has been done through an amendment passed by the ministry on January 2, 2026, to the 2023 guidelines issued under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, earlier known as the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Calling the move “disastrous”, experts say this amendment gives state and private entities a free rein to establish commercial plantations in forest areas without the financial and environmental safeguards previously required. “Consequently, the requirements of Compensatory Afforestation and payment of Net Present Value (NPV) shall not be applicable to such activities,” the amendment stated. By doing this, the government amended sub-para 14 of para 7.2 of the 2023 guidelines, which deals with the leasing of forest land for afforestation. Under sub-para 14, commercial plantations were considered “non-forestry activities” and attracted NPV and compensatory afforestation. Environment lawyer Ritwick Dutta said the amendment to the 2023 guidelines runs counter to biodiversity protection. “This will open forest areas, which were earlier used only for compensatory afforestation or other kinds of afforestation, for commercial plantation and silvicultural operations. This is clearly in conflict with the requirement for biodiversity protection,” he said. On Wednesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Modi government for opening “the door for privatisation of forest management” through amendments since August 2023. Click here to read more. https://www.newslaundry.com/2026/01/07/disastrous-modi-govt-allows-commercial-plantations-in-forests-drops-safeguards
Achievements of People’s Resistance
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Photo Credit: Prabhat Khabar https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/top-stories/kharsawan-firing-martyrs-day-1-january-diuri-vijay-singh-gagrai-do-first-puja-then-pay-tribute-grj A committee will now be set up to identify the families of those who were killed in the Kharsawan police firing in 1948, chief minister Hemant Soren announced on Thursday. Hemant, who paid tributes to the deceased at Shaheed Sthal in Kharsawan, said the objective of the committee will be to also honor the families of the martyrs who were killed in similar police firing in Gua (in 1980). The state government aims to identify the families of the martyrs before the next Shaheed Diwas (January 1, 2027), the CM said. Addressing a public gathering. Hemant said, “Our ancestors sacrified their lives not only to attain statehood but also to protect the land, forest and the water bodies which are close to the heart of the Adivasi. Click here to read more. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/government-to-set-up-panel-to-identify-families-of-kharsawan-massacre-martyrs-hemant/articleshow/126291219.cms In the matter of disappearance of the nature and ownership rights of 832 acres of land for Gondulpara Coal Mining Project by Adani enterprises ltd in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change of the Government of India has sought a report from the Special Secretary of the Forest Department of Jharkhand to investigate and take action. The above action was taken based on a complaint from activist Mantu Soni. The complaint stated that legal action should be taken against the officials and beneficiaries responsible for the conspiracy to conceal or disappear documents detailing the nature of 832.70 acres of land and issuing "Form 1" certificates. It demanded a halt to mining operations and permits until action is taken against the corruption within the coal project. This area is home to a large number of wildlife, including Schedule I species that are highly protected, Schedule II species that are protected, and numerous Schedule III and IV species, especially elephants, roam free. However, false wildlife data has been presented, and wildlife management/objections have been ignored. The project is primarily acquiring land in six villages. However, there are other coal projects nearby that will displace dozens of villages. The entire land record has been erased because villagers have been protesting against Adani for 950 consecutive days by staging sit-ins. The company deliberately erased the land records so that it could obtain government transfer of land, forcibly evict ordinary people, and carry out mining operations. Click here to read more. https://www.kashishnews.com/news/jharkhand-news-813572  Credits: The Guardian Graphics The UN High Seas Treaty, officially called the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction ( BBNJ) Agreement , will enter into force on January 17 , 2026, after the required 60 ratifications by the end of 2025. It is the first legal framework for the protection and management of marine life in international waters outside national control. This landmark treaty, adopted in June 2023 , covers two-thirds of the ocean and introduces rules for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, benefit-sharing from marine genetic resources, and capacity-building. The High Seas Treaty is the first binding global treaty dedicated entirely to marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on June 19, 2023, pledging to designate 30% of international waters as marine protected areas by 2030 to help dwindling marine life recover. Other key objectives of the BBNJ Treaty are to protect marine biodiversity, address pollution and unsustainable practices, and encourage international cooperation. But protecting the high seas is challenging. No single country controls these waters, and all countries have the right to sail and fish there. Click here to read more. https://jajaipur.blogspot.com/2026/01/17-2026.html  |
Traffic on the Rourkela–Sambalpur State Highway came to a grinding halt on Saturday after local residents staged a blockade near Jhagarpur under Rajgangpur police limits. The protest was launched against the alleged illegal land acquisition by Dalmia Bharat Cement Limited at Lanjiberna. Protesters accused the company of acquiring land without proper consent, compensation, or adherence to legal procedures. Chanting slogans and demanding immediate intervention from the administration, they sat on the highway, forcing vehicles to stop. Click here to read more. https://pragativadi.com/rourkela-sambalpur-highway-blocked-over-land-acquisition-dispute/
On 19 January 2026, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) issued three formal communications to the Government of India under its Early Warning and Urgent Action Procedures, signalling serious concerns regarding patterns of racial discrimination and grave human rights violations. The 3 letters addresses: 1. the situation of Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam;
2. the situation of tribal and forest-dwelling Indigenous Peoples in areas demarcated as tiger reserves; and
3. the situation of Indigenous Adivasi Peoples in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh: In this letter, CERD notes that since January 2024 there has been a reported escalation in security operations against non-State armed groups in Bastar, resulting in widespread and unprecedented violations of the human rights of Indigenous Adivasi Peoples. These include allegations of extrajudicial and unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force by law enforcement officials. Click here to read more https://theasianindependent.co.uk/the-united-nations-committee-on-the-elimination-of-racial-discrimination-cerd-issued-three-formal-communications-to-the-government-of-india/
Gadgil was of the firm view that the central government often uses its institutions to misinform citizens or suppress information that may trigger resistance. On the Aravallis, he said the Centre used the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Geological Survey of India (GOI) and Soil Survey of India (SOI) to bring a definition that suited it the most. He cited the example of his field study mapping the Nilgiris in the 1990s. A detailed measurement of the hills revealed that government agencies reported lower ground levels that would suit development more than conservation. Gadgil referred to his last book and autobiography titled A Walk Up The Hill: Living With People And Nature in 2023. Development, said Gadgil, is often made binding on people. He added that conservation issues addressed by state forest departments are not those that concern people on the ground. But they enforce conservation as it suits them from the top. 'We have seen the Surajgarh mining case in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, which is a sacred site for Gond tribes. But these locals were suppressed, violated and stripped of their democratic rights for mining,' he [Gadgil] recalled. Click here to read more. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/government-is-known-to-use-institutions-to-misinform-citizens-madhav-gadgil
The seven-day-long gate blockade and work stoppage at UCIL’s Narwapahar mines ended on 19 January, 2026 after a successful tripartite meeting involving the district administration, UCIL management, and representatives of displaced families. The crucial meeting was held at the office of the Dhalbhum Sub-Divisional Officer in the presence of Potka MLA Sanjib Sardar. Officials said a consensus was reached on key demands related to employment and rehabilitation of displaced persons affected by mining activities. During the talks, the management of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) agreed to immediately appoint eight candidates under death-related employment cases. In addition, it was decided that applications from dependents of displaced families—whose members have retired or opted for voluntary retirement schemes (VRS)—will be accepted until January 20, 2026. These applications will be forwarded to the UCIL Board for approval, after which employment is expected to be provided to around 120 displaced persons. Click here to read more. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2219947®=3&lang=2
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