National Critical Mineral Mission: India’s Blueprint for Energy Security

1. Launch and Purpose: Initiated in 2025 by the Ministry of Mines, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aims to secure self-reliance in critical minerals vital for clean energy and economic growth.
2. Critical Minerals Identified: A 2022 committee listed 30 critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements), with 24 under central auction authority per the MMDR Act, 1957.
3. Exploration Targets: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will undertake 1,200 domestic exploration projects by 2030-31, with 195 ongoing in 2024-25, including offshore polymetallic nodules.
4. Clean Energy Focus: Minerals like silicon, lithium, and neodymium are key for solar (64 GW capacity), wind (target 140 GW by 2030), and EVs (6-7 million by 2024 under NEMMP).
5. Foreign Acquisition: Plans include securing 26 mineral mines abroad via PSUs and 24 via private firms, with KABIL targeting lithium in Argentina and cobalt in Australia.
6. Value Chain Boost: Targets include 1,000 patents, 10,000 skilled workers, 4 processing parks, 3 Centres of Excellence, and a 5-unit mineral stockpile by 2030-31.
7. Recycling Initiative: An incentive scheme aims to recover 400 kilotonnes of critical minerals from waste, promoting sustainability.
8. Regulatory Reforms: A fast-track approval system and new Exploration Licence (EL) will encourage private sector participation in mining and processing.
9. IREL’s Role: IREL (India) Limited, with a capacity of 6 lakh tons annually, supports rare earth production, aiming to expand for clean energy needs.
10. Climate Goals: NCMM aligns with India’s targets—45% emission intensity reduction by 2030, 50% non-fossil power by 2030, and net-zero by 2070—via a resilient mineral ecosystem.

Glossary

• NCMM: National Critical Mineral Mission, a 2025 initiative for mineral self-reliance.
• GSI: Geological Survey of India, tasked with mineral exploration.
• MMDR Act: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, governing mineral auctions.
• KABIL: Khanij Bidesh India Ltd, a PSU for overseas mineral acquisition.
• Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Minerals like neodymium, critical for high-tech and energy applications.