Critical Minerals Processing Scheme To Be Finalised Soon: Mines Secretary

The Mines secretary noted that India currently faces constraints in importing lithium and other critical minerals due to the absence of a domestic value chain for processing. “The scheme for processing of critical mineral value chain is at an advanced stage,” he said, adding that further details will be shared after formal approval, according to PTI. The proposed initiative is expected to strengthen domestic capabilities in processing key minerals, thereby enhancing the resilience of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing in India. Parallelly, India is actively pursuing overseas resource acquisition to secure long-term supply. The government is exploring investments in lithium projects across countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Australia, while also evaluating critical mineral blocks in Canada. Production from five lithium blocks in Argentina is expected to commence by 2029. In addition, state-run firms including Coal India Limited, NTPC Limited and Hindustan Copper Limited are in discussions with Chile’s Codelco for the acquisition of four mineral blocks. The secretary also expressed confidence that India could emerge as a net exporter of copper from next year, supported by ongoing capacity expansion and resource development. Critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements—are essential inputs for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, advanced electronics and defence systems. Their supply chains are often vulnerable to geopolitical and trade-related disruptions, making resource security a strategic priority. India currently remains heavily dependent on imports for several of these minerals. To address this, the government had approved the Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission last year, with a broader outlay of Rs 34,300 crore over seven years, aimed at enhancing self-reliance and supporting the country’s transition to green energy. (KNN Bureau)