The Government of India has informed Parliament that a uranium deposit has been discovered in Sikar district of Rajasthan, marking a significant development in the country’s nuclear minerals exploration efforts. The discovery has been made by the Atomic Minerals Directorate of Exploration and Research (AMDER), a constituent unit under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Following the discovery, the DAE has nominated Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) as the prospective lessee for the Rohil Uranium Deposit in Sikar district under the provisions of the Atomic Minerals Concession Rules, 2016.
This information was shared by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 4 February 2026.
Discovery by AMDER Strengthens India’s Nuclear Mineral Base
The uranium deposit was identified by AMDER, which is responsible for exploration and assessment of atomic minerals in the country. The discovery in Rajasthan adds to India’s strategic mineral resources, which are crucial for supporting the nation’s nuclear energy programme and long-term energy security.
Such discoveries play a vital role in reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel.
UCIL Nominated as Prospective Lessee
The Department of Atomic Energy has nominated Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) as the prospective lessee for the Rohil Uranium Deposit in Sikar district. The nomination has been made under the Atomic Minerals Concession Rules, 2016, which govern the grant of mining leases for atomic minerals in India.
UCIL, a public sector undertaking under the DAE, is the primary entity responsible for uranium mining and processing in the country.
Statutory Clearances Under Process
The government clarified that action is currently underway to obtain all statutory clearances required for commencing mining operations at the site. These clearances are part of the regulatory process to ensure that mining activities comply with environmental, safety, and legal requirements before any extraction work begins.
Only after the completion of these approvals will mining operations be allowed to start at the Rohil Uranium Deposit.
Strategic Importance for India’s Nuclear Energy Programme
The development is significant in the context of India’s efforts to expand its nuclear power capacity and secure a stable supply of nuclear fuel. Domestic uranium resources are a key pillar of the country’s energy security strategy, especially as India continues to pursue clean and reliable energy sources to meet its growing power demand.
The discovery in Rajasthan is expected to strengthen the resource base for India’s nuclear sector in the coming years.
Conclusion: Parliamentary Session
The Lok Sabha reply on 4 February 2026 highlights an important step forward in India’s nuclear minerals exploration with the discovery of a uranium deposit in Sikar district, Rajasthan. With UCIL nominated as the prospective lessee and statutory clearances currently in process, the project is moving toward the next phase in a regulated and systematic manner. The development underscores the government’s focus on strengthening domestic resources to support India’s long-term nuclear energy and energy security goals.
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Source: PIB
