India's Move to Dominate Critical Minerals: Challenges and Strategies

The Indian government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical mineral blocks due to inadequate response. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies and semiconductor manufacturing. The nation plans a Critical Mineral Mission to secure resources overseas and boost domestic mining to meet pressing global demands.

The Indian government's plan to auction 11 critical mineral blocks has been derailed due to a lack of interest. According to an annulment notice, no bids were received for four blocks, while the remaining seven attracted fewer than three technically qualified bidders.

Affected mineral blocks include tungsten and glauconite, located in Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh. Critical minerals such as cobalt and lithium are pivotal for clean energy and semiconductor industries.

As part of future strategies, India is set to launch a Critical Mineral Mission next year. This initiative will focus on securing overseas resources and enhancing domestic mining, aiming to position India as a global leader in critical minerals amidst growing international competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)