In a significant move towards reducing import dependencies, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting India’s net-zero objectives, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Mines, is set to unveil the country’s first-ever ‘Critical Minerals List’. The list will be officially released by Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, during a ceremony held at the prestigious India International Centre in New Delhi on June 28, 2023.
The release of the Critical Minerals List is anticipated to be a milestone moment in India’s quest for self-reliance and mineral resource security. The meticulously compiled list aims to identify and prioritize minerals crucial for various industrial sectors, including high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, and defence. It will serve as a guiding framework for policy formulation, strategic planning, and investment decisions in the mining sector.
The ceremony, which will be attended by foreign dignitaries, industry representatives, subject-matter experts, and senior government officials, is expected to witness the presence of Minister of State for Mines, Coal & Railways, Raosaheb Patil Danve, along with other eminent personalities.
Highlighting the significance of the Critical Minerals List, a short documentary video will showcase key highlights during the event. Additionally, some of the major critical minerals will be displayed, underscoring their importance to India’s industrial development and future technological advancements.
This strategic initiative aligns with India’s larger vision of achieving a ‘Net Zero’ target, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a robust and resilient mineral sector. Notably, India has recently joined the prestigious Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) as a new partner, further strengthening critical mineral supply chains.
India’s initiative to compile the Critical Minerals List reflects a proactive approach in addressing the nation’s mineral resource challenges. By reducing reliance on imports and bolstering domestic production and processing capabilities, India aims to ensure a steady and secure supply of critical minerals, laying the foundation for economic growth and technological advancements.
The release of the Critical Minerals List is poised to open up new avenues for collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and subject-matter experts, fostering innovation and investment in the mining sector. It will also enable India to forge partnerships with international counterparts for technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and sustainable mining practices.
With the unveiling of the Critical Minerals List, India takes a significant step forward in its pursuit of self-reliance, mineral security, and environmental sustainability. The government’s proactive efforts to strengthen the mining sector and reduce import dependencies emphasize India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable mineral resource management.
As the nation moves ahead with its net-zero ambitions, the Critical Minerals List is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies, driving investments, and ensuring a resilient supply chain, ultimately contributing to India’s economic growth and sustainable development in the years to come.
