Keralam has unveiled an ambitious ₹50,000 crore Mineral Corridor project aimed at transforming the state into a major hub for rare earth minerals mining, processing, and manufacturing. The announcement was made by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who said the project has received support from both the central and state governments due to its strategic importance for India’s industrial and technological growth. The Mineral Corridor will be developed along Kerala’s coastal belt, connecting key locations including Vizhinjam, Chavara in Kollam, and Kochi.
These regions are rich in rare earth mineral deposits, making them ideal for establishing an integrated ecosystem that brings mining, processing, and manufacturing activities under one framework. A major facility at Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) in Chavara is expected to serve as a crucial center for the project. Keralam is known for its reserves of valuable rare earth minerals such as thorium and scandium, along with several other strategic resources. These minerals play a vital role in the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy equipment, defense technologies, drones, advanced electronics, and medical devices.
The corridor is expected to strengthen India’s domestic supply chain for critical minerals and reduce dependence on imports. The project aligns with the Union Government’s Rare Earth Permanent Magnet initiative announced in the national budget. It is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s self-reliance in critical mineral resources and reduce global supply vulnerabilities. Similar rare earth corridors are also being planned in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting a nationwide effort to develop a robust rare earth minerals ecosystem. With its significant investment and strategic focus, the Kerala Mineral Corridor is being viewed as a landmark infrastructure project that could accelerate industrial development, create employment opportunities, and position India as a stronger player in the global rare earth minerals sector.
