🗂️ Topic: Economy / Energy Transition / Strategic Resources

India Launches ₹16,300 Cr National Critical Mineral Mission to Boost Self-Reliance

Introduction

The Government of India has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a total budget of ₹16,300 crore, announced during the Union Budget 2024–25. The mission aims to reduce import dependency, strengthen domestic supply chains for clean energy and high-tech sectors, and align with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

🧭 Objectives of the Mission

• Decrease reliance on imported critical minerals
• Accelerate domestic exploration, mining, and processing
• Ensure availability of key minerals for batteries, semiconductors, EVs, and solar tech
• Focus on 24 identified minerals, including:
  • Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earth elements

🔄 Full Value Chain Coverage

The NCMM will address:

• Exploration and discovery
• Mining and beneficiation
• Processing and purification
• Recycling and recovery from end-of-life products
• Establishment of fast-track clearances for mining projects

💰 Investments and Incentives

• Expected investment: ₹18,000 crore from PSUs and private sector
• Financial incentives for exploration and recovery from overburden/tailings
• Elimination of customs duty on key critical minerals (announced in Budget 2024–25)

🌐 International Strategy

• Promotes acquisition of mineral assets abroad by Indian PSUs and companies
• Encourages partnerships with resource-rich countries
• Aims to build strategic trade routes and supply chains

🔬 R&D and Innovation Push

• Establishment of Mineral Processing Parks
• Creation of a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals
• Funding for technology innovation and clean processing methods

📜 Policy & Legislative Support

• Mines and Minerals Act amended in 2023 to accelerate exploration and approvals
• Geological Survey of India (GSI):
  • 195 active exploration projects
  • 227 new projects proposed for FY 2025–26

🌱 Role in Green Energy Transition

The NCMM will secure raw materials for:

• Electric vehicle batteries
• Solar photovoltaic cells
• Wind turbines and hydrogen fuel cells

By doing so, it contributes directly to India’s net-zero goals, energy independence, and a clean technology-driven economy.