India Launches National Critical Mineral Mission to Tap Global Economy Opportunities

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy announced the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission as part of Union Budget 2024-25. The mission aims to boost domestic production, recycling, and acquisition of critical minerals. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like electric car batteries.

India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to harness global economic opportunities, announced Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday. This mission, part of Union Budget 2024-25, aims to boost domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets.

The mission's comprehensive mandate includes technology development, a skilled workforce, extended producer responsibility, and a suitable financing mechanism. Addressing a national seminar organized by the Mining, Geological, Metallurgical Institute of India, Reddy highlighted that the government has made the coal and minerals sector more transparent and competitive.

Critical minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earths are indispensable for clean energy technologies, including electric car batteries. The government has already successfully auctioned 14 critical mineral mines to meet this increasing demand.

(With inputs from agencies.)