The approval of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) by the Government marks a significant step toward self-reliance in key resources necessary for India’s green energy transition. With a total outlay of Rs 34,300 crore over seven years, including Rs 16,300 crore in Government expenditure and Rs 18,000 crore expected from public sector enterprises, this initiative is poised to reshape the nation’s mineral resource landscape. The mission’s primary goal is to reduce dependence on imports and ensure a steady domestic supply of critical minerals, which are indispensable for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.
Critical minerals such as lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements serve as essential raw materials for rapidly expanding clean energy technologies. These resources are vital components of wind turbines, solar panels, battery storage solutions, and electric vehicles-cornerstones of a sustainable energy future. With global clean energy transitions accelerating, the demand for these minerals will skyrocket in the coming decades. India, currently reliant on imports for many of these minerals, faces significant geopolitical and economic risks. The availability of these resources is concentrated in a few nations, often leading to supply chain vulnerabilities. The NCMM encompasses a comprehensive approach to securing critical minerals across all stages of the value chain. The mission will intensify exploration efforts within the country and offshore territories to identify and develop new mineral deposits. The Geological Survey of India has already undertaken 368 exploration projects over the past three years, with 195 projects currently underway in 2024-25 and 227 planned for 2025-26. The mission aims to streamline the regulatory approval process, enabling faster clearance for mining projects. This will help reduce bureaucratic delays and encourage investment in the sector. Recognising the strategic importance of global partnerships, public and private sector enterprises will be encouraged to acquire critical mineral assets in resource-rich countries, securing stable supplies.
The mission will support the establishment of mineral processing parks and facilitate research into advanced processing technologies. Additionally, recycling of critical minerals from electronic waste and end-of-life products will be promoted to ensure resource efficiency and sustainability. To mitigate supply disruptions, the mission proposes building strategic stockpiles of essential minerals. Enhanced trade relations with key resource-rich nations will also be a focus, ensuring uninterrupted access to these vital resources. Establishing Centres of Excellence on Critical Minerals, promoting innovation, and supporting scientific research will be crucial in developing indigenous capabilities for mineral exploration and processing technologies.
The implementation of NCMM is expected to have a profound impact on the country’s economic and strategic positioning. By reducing reliance on imports, India can save substantial foreign exchange outflows and create new employment opportunities in mining, processing, and related industries. The mission will also enhance India’s competitiveness in the global clean energy market by ensuring the availability of essential raw materials for domestic manufacturing. Furthermore, India’s geopolitical influence will strengthen as it engages in strategic partnerships with mineral-rich nations. The acquisition of overseas assets and trade agreements will provide India with greater bargaining power in global supply chains.
While the NCMM is a well-conceived initiative, its success hinges on effective implementation. Key challenges include environmental concerns, as mining activities, if not regulated properly, can lead to ecological degradation. Sustainable mining practices and strict environmental safeguards must be enforced to minimise negative impacts. Investment and technological gaps also pose a challenge, as developing advanced mineral processing technologies and establishing a robust domestic industry will require significant investment. Collaboration with international research institutions and private sector participation will be essential. Additionally, global competition for resources is intense, with several nations aggressively securing critical minerals. India must act swiftly and strategically to acquire resources and develop domestic capabilities. The NCMM is a bold and necessary step toward securing India’s economic and energy future. However, its success will depend on the efficiency of implementation, adherence to environmental norms, and the active participation of both public and private sectors.
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