The Union Cabinet approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on January 29, 2025, aiming to secure a sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthen India’s value chains. The mission includes increasing domestic production and acquiring critical mineral assets abroad.
The Ministry of Mines has established a joint venture company, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), with CAMYEN and DISER for overseas mineral assets acquisition. NCMM includes budget provisions for processing parks, recycling, skill development, and R&D activity support.
In a landmark move to secure India’s mineral supply chain and bolster its strategic resource independence, the Union Cabinet has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). This initiative is aimed at ensuring the availability, development, and sustainable utilization of critical minerals essential for India’s economic and technological future.
Significance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals are indispensable for a wide range of industries, including renewable energy, electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), defense, and As global demand for these minerals surges, this mission will play a pivotal role in strengthening domestic capabilities, reducing import dependence, and fostering innovation in mineral extraction and processing.
Telecommunications. Key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), and nickel are crucial for manufacturing batteries, semiconductors, and high-tech defense equipment. Given their scarcity and the geopolitical challenges associated with their procurement, a focused national strategy is essential to secure India’s long-term economic and strategic interests.
Objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission
The NCMM is designed to:
- Identify and Secure Critical Mineral Resources: Conduct geological surveys and exploration programs to assess domestic reserves and potential mining sites. Develop indigenous expertise and infrastructure to extract and refine critical minerals, reducing reliance on imports. Establish partnerships with resource-rich nations through trade agreements, joint ventures, and foreign investments to ensure a steady supply of critical minerals.
- Promote Sustainable and Responsible Mining: Implement eco-friendly mining techniques, encourage recycling of critical minerals, and minimize environmental impact. Invest in cutting-edge technologies for mineral exploration, extraction, and recycling to foster self-reliance. Create stockpiles of essential minerals to mitigate supply disruptions due to global market fluctuations.
Reducing Import Dependence
India currently imports a significant portion of its critical mineral requirements, exposing the economy to supply chain vulnerabilities and price fluctuations. The NCMM aims to reduce dependency by enhancing domestic production and securing alternative sources. Collaborations with countries like Australia, Canada, and South Africa, which possess abundant mineral reserves, will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
- Renewable Energy: The production of lithium-ion batteries and solar panels will become more sustainable and cost-effective, accelerating India’s transition to clean energy. Ensuring a stable supply of lithium and cobalt will help scale up EV manufacturing, supporting the government’s e-mobility goals. A robust mineral supply will enhance the domestic semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem, reducing dependence on imports.
- Defense and Aerospace: Strengthened mineral security will aid in the indigenous production of advanced defense technologies, bolstering national security. The government will facilitate the mission through policy support, financial incentives, and regulatory reforms. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) and collaborations with global mining giants are expected to attract investments and expertise into India’s mineral sector.
The approval of the National Critical Mineral Mission marks a significant step toward securing India’s future in a mineral-intensive global economy. By prioritizing domestic exploration, fostering international partnerships, and embracing sustainable mining practices.
The mission aims to make India self-reliant in critical minerals. As the country advances in renewable energy, digital technology, and industrial innovation, a stable of critical minerals will be instrumental in driving growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
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