In a major development for India’s green energy ambitions and national security, the administration of Arunachal Pradesh has granted approval for critical mineral exploration in Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri district. The initiative, led by Oil India Limited and the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), received strong community backing, paving the way for strategic mineral surveys in the region’s Phop Block. The survey will focus on identifying deposits of vanadium and graphite—minerals essential for high-tech industries, defence systems, and the global transition to clean energy. Vanadium is used in battery storage technologies, while graphite is a key component in electric vehicle batteries and advanced weapon systems.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage expressed heartfelt gratitude to the local administration and the residents of the area for their enthusiastic cooperation. He especially thanked Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta (IAS) and Superintendent of Police Angad Mehta (IPS) for their support in facilitating the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the survey. Tage also acknowledged the crucial role played by village elders, Panchayat leaders, Gaon Buras, youth groups, and citizens from Seer, Pith, and Phop villages in endorsing the mission. “Such unified local support is a foundation for development and self-reliance,” he stated.
Officials believe the venture will not only strengthen the country’s strategic resource base but also bring long-term benefits to the local population. The project is expected to generate employment, encourage local entrepreneurship, and improve access to education, healthcare, and sports infrastructure in the region.
