US firms eye Jharkhand’s critical minerals sector, explore mining, tech partnership

Ranchi: American companies have expressed interest in exploring, mining, processing and providing technological support for critical minerals in Jharkhand, opening the possibility of greater international collaboration in the state’s mining sector.

The development emerged during a meeting between Jharkhand Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and a US delegation led by US Consul General Kelley Giles Diaz on Tuesday. Discussions focused on the vast opportunities available in Jharkhand’s mineral-rich landscape and potential cooperation in advanced mining technologies.

During the meeting, state officials highlighted Jharkhand’s abundant reserves of traditional minerals such as coal, iron ore, copper, bauxite, gold and limestone, along with the progress made in their mining and processing. Officials also informed the delegation that the state possesses more than 20 critical and strategic minerals, including lithium, titanium, vanadium, silver and graphite, while exploration for additional deposits is continuing.

The state government invited American companies to participate in mining, mineral exploration and technology-driven projects in Jharkhand. Officials said the government is actively engaging with leading global firms specializing in advanced mining technologies and has made significant progress in attracting investment interest in the sector.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of interested companies acquiring mineral blocks through the prescribed allocation process and undertaking exploration and mining activities using modern technologies.

Officials informed the delegation that the United States India Strategic Partnership Alliance (USISPA), a group representing American mining companies, has already established contact with the Jharkhand government. The group has expressed interest in participating in the auction of mineral blocks, particularly those related to the exploration, extraction and processing of critical minerals.

The meeting was attended by Mines and Geology Secretary Arava Rajkamal, Mines Director Rahul Kumar Sinha, US Consul General Kelley Giles Diaz and other officials from both sides.