Syllabus: GS3/ S&T
In Context
- The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was launched in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
About
- Critical minerals are essential for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, EVs, and energy storage systems. To secure these resources, India launched the NCMM to ensure their long-term availability and processing.
- The NCMM mission aims to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
- A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines in November 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule I of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957).
- The Union Government now has the exclusive authority to auction mining leases and composite licenses for these specific minerals.

What are Critical minerals?
- Critical minerals are essential for a country’s economic development and national security, and their lack of availability or concentration in a few geographical locations can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
Uses of Critical Minerals
- Energy Security & Clean Transition: Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and REEs are crucial for renewable energy systems (e.g. solar panels, wind turbines).
- Support India’s targets: 50% electric power from non-fossil sources by 2030
- Net-zero emissions by 2070
- Increases wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030
- Support India’s targets: 50% electric power from non-fossil sources by 2030
- Boost to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Storage: Essential for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, the backbone of EVs and energy storage systems.
- Reduce India’s dependency on imported oil.
- Aligns with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and FAME scheme.
- Economic Development & Job Creation: Mining, processing, and R&D in critical minerals can:
- Attract domestic and foreign investment.
- Create jobs in exploration, engineering, refining, and technology sectors.
- Strengthen MSMEs and startups in the clean-tech value chain.
- National Security: Critical minerals like rare earths, titanium, and tungsten are used in:
- Defense (missile systems, stealth aircraft, radar)
- Electronics (telecom, semiconductors, satellites)
- Reduces strategic vulnerabilities by minimizing import dependence.
- Infrastructure & Digital Economy Backbone: Minerals like silicon, gallium, indium are essential for:
- Semiconductors
- 5G/6G tech
- Smart grids, smart cities, and digital India initiatives
IREL (India) Limited
- It is a key public sector enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy, and plays a vital role in India’s critical minerals value chain.
- With a processing capacity of 6 lakh tonnes per annum, it produces essential beach sand minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and garnet.
- The company operates a Rare Earth Extraction Plant in Chatrapur, Odisha, and a Rare Earth Refining Unit in Aluva, Kerala, contributing to the indigenous processing of rare earth elements (REEs).
International Engagements
- KABIL-CAMYEN Agreement (Argentina, 2024): Lithium exploration over 15,703 hectares.
- MoU with Australia’s Critical Minerals Office (2022).
- Talks with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for cobalt and copper.
- Strategic tie-ups with Africa, Latin America, and ASEAN countries for secure sourcing.
Challenges
- Geopolitical Risks: Dependence on imports from China, DRC, and South America.
- Lack of Domestic Processing Capacity: India currently lacks advanced REE separation technologies.
- Low Private Investment: Mining sector faces regulatory and financial entry barriers.
- Environmental Concerns: Mining and refining can damage local ecosystems.
- Recycling Ecosystem: Still nascent and lacks scale.
Way Forward
- Strengthen domestic exploration and incentivize the private sector via PPP.
- Forge long-term strategic partnerships with mineral-rich countries.
- Boost R&D and recycling to close the mineral loop.
- Skilling and capacity-building for critical mineral-specific technologies.
Source: PIB
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