Archive · 22 Sep 2026
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.
The Centre plans a new scheme to promote lithium and nickel processing after receiving required approvals.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra have been identified for critical mineral processing ecosystems.
India has limited critical-mineral processing capacity and is fully import-dependent for several minerals, including lithium, nickel and cobalt.
Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra urged companies to operate cleared mines and criticized the export of minerals that India also imports.
The government is pursuing overseas mineral assets and indigenous processing technology, including through Khanij Bidesh India Ltd and Centres of Excellence.
- Who
- The Centre, Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra, mining companies and Khanij Bidesh India Ltd are involved.
- What
- The government plans a lithium-and-nickel scheme, mineral-processing parks and stronger domestic technology development.
- When
- The announcement was made at the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries’ 60th Annual General Meeting; no date was specified.
- Where
- The proposed processing ecosystem covers Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra; Khanij Bidesh India Ltd is pursuing assets in Argentina.
- Why
- The measures aim to strengthen battery-related mineral processing, reduce dependence on imports and develop domestic technology.
- 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.