A Multi-Pronged Strategy for Critical Minerals
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Economy (Minerals, Government Policies and Missions - National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), KABIL); Indian Geography (Resource distribution - Lithium in J&K); Environment & Ecology (E-waste, Circular Economy).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent).
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, Environment, S&T): Infrastructure: Energy; Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth, development; Indigenization of technology; Conservation. The topic of critical minerals security is a key aspect of economic and strategic policy.
Key Highlights from the News
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are essential for India's clean energy transition and industrial growth.
Currently, India relies heavily on imports (high reliance on imports), over 90%, for these minerals. China's dominance in this sector poses a significant geopolitical challenge for India.
To reduce this dependence, as part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, India has adopted a multi-pronged strategy:
Promote Domestic Mining: The discovery of lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir is a major breakthrough. Mining laws are being reformed to encourage private participation. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) leads this effort.
Overseas Acquisitions: KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.), a public sector joint venture, has been formed to identify opportunities for mining minerals in foreign countries.
Promote Circular Economy: "Urban mining" is encouraged, which involves recycling these minerals from e-waste and old batteries. New e-waste and battery waste regulations have been introduced for this purpose.
India's key challenges include simplifying mining permits, establishing processing plants within the country, and investing in recycling technology.
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