Jaipur, Feb. 7 -- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 83.59 million tonnes of rare earth elements (REE) resources in the state, primarily concentrated in Balotra and Sikar districts, according to a written reply by the Union Ministry of Mines in the Lok Sabha. The information was shared on Thursday in response to an unstarred question by member of Parliament Dushyant Singh, detailing the availability of REEs, auction status of mineral blocks, and the Centre's strategy to integrate exploration with industrial development. GSI surveys conducted after the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 have led to substantial resource augmentation through multiple exploration campaigns. Major deposits were identified in areas such as north of Kalaur ka Danta (46.83 million tonnes) and east of Gugrot (25.52 million tonnes) in Balotra district, along with smaller reserves in Sukleswar ka Mandir, Mawri, Guranal and Ladi Ka Bas in Sikar. Most of these discoveries are currently at the G3 stage of exploration, indicating preliminary resource estimation with potential for further assessment. According to the National Mineral Inventory as of April 1, 2025, Balotra alone accounts for 81.86 million tonnes of REE resources, while Sikar holds 1.73 million tonnes, underscoring western Rajasthan's strategic importance in the country's critical mineral landscape. The ministry also informed Parliament that three REE-bearing mineral blocks have been auctioned in Rajasthan over the past three years. These include the Southeast of Gugrot composite licence block in Balotra (auctioned in the sixth tranche of critical mineral auctions), the Bhatikhera REE-Niobium-Zirconium mining licence block where a preferred bidder has been declared, and the Nawatala-Devigarh exploration block for which a letter of intent was issued by the state government in October 2025. Under the National Critical Mineral Mission, the Centre is working to link REE exploration and production with downstream industries such as processing, manufacturing clusters and industrial corridors. The government expects that mining outcomes in Rajasthan will encourage domestic value addition and strengthen strategic sectors including clean energy, electronics and defence manufacturing....