2 hrs ago

India Plans Lithium, Nickel Scheme Amid Critical Mineral Concerns

India plans to create a new program for lithium and nickel.

These minerals are important for making batteries.

The government wants to build processing centers in four states.

Odisha is being considered for nickel, while Maharashtra is being considered for lithium.

India currently imports several important minerals because it has limited processing capacity.

Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra said companies should not hold onto mines that are ready to operate.

He also criticized exporting minerals that India later imports.

The government is obtaining some minerals from other countries, including Argentina.

It also wants Indian researchers and companies to develop processing technology at home.

Key facts

Proposed scheme: A new government scheme for lithium and nickel processing, pending required approvals.
Selected states: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
State focus: Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh: rare earths; Odisha: nickel; Maharashtra: lithium.
Import dependence: India is 100% import-dependent for some critical minerals, including cobalt, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements and silicon.
Global processing: China controls 90% of global critical mineral processing, according to the article.
Overseas assets: Khanij Bidesh India Ltd has reached a deal with Argentina for five blocks.
Government concerns: The Mines Secretary criticized non-operational cleared mines and the export of minerals that India also imports.

indianexpress.com · 2 hrs ago