Surat, July 14 -- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified significant deposits of critical minerals in Gujarat's Amba Dungar region and mining is expected to commence within the next five to seven years, said GSI Director Bijay Kumar Das.

Speaking to ANI, Das said GSI has played a key role in identifying and evaluating critical and strategic mineral resources, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium, which are expected to be vital for India's future economic growth, clean energy transition and defence capabilities.

"We have completed all the stages of exploration in Amba Dungar area and in the coming time, we have given so much resources that there can be good mines here," Das said.

He noted that while the explo...