India is exploring critical minerals like lithium in Zambia, Congo, Australia, and Tanzania to reduce import reliance and boost its energy transition technologies. Significant funds are allocated for the development of the critical minerals sector, with ongoing exploration activities including a focus on Jammu and Kashmir’s lithium resources.
India is actively pursuing mining opportunities for critical minerals, including lithium, in various countries such as Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Australia. This strategy is aimed at minimizing import dependence for technologies essential to energy transition. The Indian government has identified 20 key minerals necessary for these technologies and has earmarked substantial funding to bolster the critical minerals sector.
To facilitate these efforts, the Zambian government has allocated 9,000 square kilometers for India’s exploration of cobalt and copper. India’s Mines Minister, G Kishan Reddy, announced that the country is also interested in mining potential reserves in Congo and Tanzania. Notably, India is still developing its lithium processing capabilities, an area currently dominated by China.
In addition to international exploration, India has turned its focus to domestic resources. The government is exploring lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, with clarity on potential outputs expected by May 2025. Earlier this year, an estimated 5.9 million metric tons of lithium deposits were discovered, yet there have been no successful bids to auction mining rights as of now.
The Indian government has categorized over 20 minerals, including lithium, as “critical” for supporting its energy transition initiatives and fulfilling the increasing demands from various industries and infrastructure projects. In January 2025, an approval was granted for Rs 16,300 crore ($1.88 billion) to enhance the critical minerals sector, showcasing India’s commitment to securing its resources for a sustainable future.
India’s proactive approach to mining critical minerals both domestically and internationally reflects its strategic aim of reducing dependency on imports. By exploring resources in Zambia, Congo, and domestically in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside substantial funding for development, India is positioning itself to meet the rising demands of energy transition technologies and bolstering its industrial infrastructure.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
