India is scouting for critical mineral assets across Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, and Australia. Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao confirmed collaboration with the Australian government and other nations to secure these resources. The focus is on essential minerals for clean energy technologies, aiding India’s green energy transition and self-reliance goals. The National Critical Mineral Mission has been approved with significant funding to increase domestic exploration and reduce import dependence.
On February 27, 2025, India’s Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao announced the country’s initiative to explore critical mineral assets in several nations, including Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, and Australia. The Australian government is collaborating with KABIL on these endeavors, while Indian missions in these countries aim to secure critical mineral exploration rights for Indian companies.
Critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are crucial for advancing clean energy technologies. These materials play a vital role in the manufacturing of wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery systems, emphasizing their growing significance in sustainable energy applications.
The said initiative includes public sector enterprises such as Coal India and NMDC, which, alongside KABIL, are targeting critical mineral blocks in Australia. They expect to begin exploration in Zambia, where the government has granted India a greenfield area of 9,000 square kilometers for cobalt and copper exploration.
Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted that lithium blocks are in high demand and are currently under evaluation in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. A specialized Geological Survey of India team will be designated to enhance lithium block exploration, with further clarity expected by late April and early May prior to auctioning.
Additionally, the ministry plans to initiate an auction for exploration licenses next month. Recently, the government approved a ₹16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, totaling ₹34,300 crore over seven years, aimed at fostering self-reliance and advancing India’s green energy transition.
The mission’s objectives include increasing mineral exploration, minimizing import dependence, acquiring overseas mineral blocks, advancing processing technologies, and promoting recycling. This strategy is crucial as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, particularly due to the ongoing transition towards clean energy.
India is actively pursuing the exploration of critical minerals in multiple countries to enhance its self-reliance in this sector. Key minerals such as lithium and cobalt are vital for developing clean energy technologies. The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to bolster exploration efforts and reduce import dependence, positioning India favorably in the global clean energy market.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
