Archive · 5 Sep 2025
India's Push for Critical Minerals: A Value Chain Imperative
India needs special materials like lithium and nickel for new tech and green energy.
The government is taking action by buying mineral resources from other countries, storing minerals for emergencies, and encouraging companies to reuse minerals.
A big plan started in January 2025 is spending a lot of money on this.
India also hopes to get valuable minerals from the deep sea.
However, India faces challenges regarding refining these minerals domestically and could become dependent on other countries, like China, if this refining sector isn't addressed.
India faces a resource transformation driven by renewable energy and e-mobility.
Demand for critical minerals like lithium and nickel is projected to increase significantly.
The government is implementing strategies to secure mineral assets and incentivize recycling.
A National Critical Minerals Mission was launched with substantial funding.
Refining capabilities are crucial for self-reliance, with challenges requiring attention.
- Who
- India's government and associated entities like Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.
- What
- India is strategizing to secure critical minerals, with a focus on securing mineral assets, stockpiling, and incentivizing recycling.
- When
- Since January 2025
- Where
- India, with acquisitions potentially abroad.
- Why
- To meet the increasing demand for critical minerals for renewable energy, e-mobility and reduce reliance on imports
- Critical Minerals
- Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths
- Demand Forecast
- Lithium to increase from 58 to 20,845 tonnes by 2047
- Government Strategy
- Securing mineral assets abroad, stockpiling, incentivizing recyclers
- National Mission
- ₹16,300-crore National Critical Minerals Mission announced in January 2025
- Exploration Projects
- 1,200 exploration projects and 100 critical mineral block auctions planned by 2031
- Refining Challenges
- Lack of focus on refining could maintain dependence on China
