In a significant move to bolster India's domestic supply of essential minerals, Oil India Limited (OIL) officially secured exploration rights for a strategic mineral block in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. The state-owned company signed the deed of agreement for a composite licence covering the Phop Graphite and Vanadium Block located in the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.
Key Officials Witness the Signing Ceremony
The agreement was formally executed in Itanagar in the presence of senior officials from the government and the involved organisations. Arunachal Pradesh's geology and mines secretary, AK Singh, presided over the event. Representing OIL was its chief general manager, Raghunath Mishra. The director of CESHS, Tana Tage, was also present alongside other senior officials from the Directorate of Geology & Mines (DGM), OIL, and CESHS.
Local Partnership for Ground-Level Execution
A crucial aspect of this project is the collaborative model it follows. CESHS will participate as a local partner, holding a 10% stake in the venture alongside OIL. This partnership is strategically designed to leverage CESHS's strong local presence and community understanding. The firm is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the project's initial phases.
Its responsibilities will include assisting with preliminary and exploratory survey activities. Furthermore, CESHS will act as a vital liaison between the project, local communities, and relevant authorities. This is aimed at ensuring the smooth and socially responsible execution of exploration operations in the frontier state.
Boosting India's Critical Mineral Security
This agreement marks a concrete step forward in India's national strategy to secure reliable sources of critical minerals. Graphite and vanadium are essential for modern industries, including renewable energy storage, electric vehicle batteries, and high-strength steel alloys. Developing domestic reserves reduces import dependency and strengthens the country's economic and strategic resilience.
The exploration of the Phop Block in Arunachal Pradesh represents not just a commercial venture but a part of a larger governmental push to map and utilise the nation's mineral wealth, particularly in the strategically important northeastern region.
