As India moves towards its net zero target of 2070, the demand for critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, graphite and rare earth elements, is expected to grow substantially. However, India’s limited domestic resources – and mining capacity make strategic stockpiling essential for uninterrupted access to these minerals while supporting long-term economic growth.

Countries have long stockpiled emergency mineral reserves for strategic and economic reasons. China's recent export restrictions on key minerals like gallium, germanium, graphite, and rare earths highlight supply chain vulnerabilities, especially for import-reliant nations such as India.

Thus, the importance of international collaboration with countries that offer potential partnership opportunities through joint efforts in exploration, extraction, refining, and production is essential to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain.

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) of India envisions securing a long-term, sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthening India’s critical mineral value chains. This encompasses all stages from mineral exploration and mining to beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products. The NCMM seeks to develop a holistic action plan through strategic interventions in the form of policy reforms, financial support, infrastructure facilities, human resource development, technological advancements, and international collaboration.

With a budget exceeding ₹34,000 crores, (USD 4 Billion dollars), Government of India aims is to build a globally competitive and resilient critical mineral ecosystem for India - from exploration to processing and recycling - ensuring India’s self-reliance amid growing global demand & geopolitical supply risks.

Mining Critical Minerals India will emphasise the key role of state governments in advancing critical mineral processing in India. As principal agents of implementation, states facilitate infrastructure development, optimise regulatory frameworks, and cultivate robust industrial ecosystems.
 
Indian states could capitalise on their mineral assets and industrial capabilities to promote domestic value addition, support collaborative policy initiatives, enhance inter-state coordination, and articulate strategic plans aimed at attracting private investment. Furthermore, fostering best practice exchange, strengthening centre-state partnerships, and reinforcing the strategic significance of states are essential measures for establishing a resilient and self-sufficient critical minerals ecosystem.

In addition, India plans to launch incentives for the recycling of 24 critical minerals including lithium and cobalt as part of efforts to secure the minerals needed for green energy transition. To boost availability, the government scrapped customs duty on the waste and scrap of a dozen critical substances including lead, zinc and cobalt powder as well as lithium-ion batteries.

Given the rising demand and complex nature of domestic ores, the need for scalable, high performance, and cost-effective solutions to enhance India’s position in the critical minerals value chain. Transitioning India from an import-dependent nation to becoming one of the top three global producers of critical minerals.