Archive · 9 Oct 2026
India Nears Critical Minerals Stockpiling Policy Amid Supply Concerns
India is preparing a plan to keep reserves of minerals that are important to the country.
A government official said the plan could be finalised and announced in about a month.
These reserves could help keep supplies available if deliveries are disrupted.
The government also wants to reduce reliance on imports.
The minerals are used in areas such as defence, electronics and aerospace.
They are also important for clean energy equipment, electric vehicles and batteries.
India has listed more than 30 minerals as critical.
The government is also working on four parks to process some of these minerals.
The Centre expects to finalise and announce a critical minerals stockpiling policy within about a month.
Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra said the government is making elaborate plans for strategic mineral stockpiles.
The policy is intended to support strategic sectors and address concerns about supply disruptions and import dependence.
The government is working on four critical minerals processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
India has identified more than 30 critical minerals; examples include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements.
- Who
- The Centre; Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra gave the update.
- What
- The government is preparing a policy for stockpiling critical minerals and planning four processing parks.
- When
- The policy is expected to be finalised and announced in about a month; Chandra spoke at the India Mines and Minerals Conclave 2026.
- Where
- The remarks were made at the India Mines and Minerals Conclave 2026. Processing parks are planned in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- Why
- To maintain supplies for strategic sectors, respond to concerns about supply chain disruptions and reduce import dependency.
- Expected policy timing
- Within about a month
- Stockpile purpose
- Maintain an uninterrupted supply of critical minerals
- Processing parks
- Four are being planned
- Planned park locations
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
- Critical minerals identified
- More than 30
- Mineral examples
- Copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements
- Sectors mentioned
- Defence, advanced electronics, aerospace, agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals and telecom
