New Delhi, Sep 8: India’s efforts to secure critical minerals are gaining importance as the country expands its ambitions in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, semiconductors, defence and other advanced industries.
The National Critical Mineral Mission is emerging as an important part of this strategy. The initiative aims to strengthen the entire mineral value chain, from exploration and mining to processing, recycling and the development of technologies needed to turn raw minerals into industrial materials.
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper and rare earth elements are increasingly important for modern manufacturing. They are used in batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, telecommunications, defence equipment and several other high-technology products.
For India, securing these resources is becoming increasingly important because disruptions in global supplies can affect manufacturing costs and the availability of key components. The country is therefore looking to develop domestic capabilities while also building partnerships with mineral-rich nations.
India has recently stepped up international cooperation on critical minerals. The country is engaging with partners such as the UK and European Union to develop processing and supply-chain partnerships, with the aim of reducing dependence on any single source.
The focus is also shifting beyond mining. Having mineral reserves alone is not enough; India needs stronger processing, refining and recycling capabilities so that more value can be created within the country.
This could give a significant boost to domestic manufacturing. Reliable access to critical minerals can support industries producing electric vehicles, batteries, renewable-energy equipment, electronics, semiconductors and defence systems. It can also encourage investment in mining technology, mineral processing, recycling and related infrastructure.
States are also beginning to explore their potential. In Andhra Pradesh, the discovery of lithium and gallium in the Kadapa Basin has opened up new possibilities for the state’s contribution to India’s critical-mineral supply chain. The state government has announced a Rs 140-crore exploration programme to assess these resources further.
The economic impact could extend well beyond the mining sector. New exploration and processing projects can generate employment, create opportunities for engineering and technology companies and support businesses involved in transport, equipment, logistics and industrial services.
The initiative also fits into India’s broader push to attract private investment and strengthen domestic manufacturing. As global companies look to diversify their supply chains, a reliable critical-mineral ecosystem could help India become a more attractive destination for manufacturing and technology investments.
For consumers, the benefits may eventually be visible through stronger domestic production of products such as electric vehicles, batteries and renewable-energy equipment. For businesses, better access to raw materials can provide greater supply security and reduce exposure to sudden international disruptions.
The critical-minerals push is therefore becoming more than a mining programme. It is part of India’s larger effort to build a resilient industrial base, support the clean-energy transition, create jobs and strengthen the country’s position in global technology and manufacturing supply chains.