Why in News?
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a ₹1,500 crore scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to develop domestic recycling capacity for extracting critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths from secondary sources, including e-waste and lithium-ion battery scrap, over 2025–31.
Description:
- Launched in 2025 by the Ministry of Mines under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- Aim: Self-reliance in critical minerals vital for clean energy & strategic sectors.
- Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct 1,200 exploration projects (2024–31).
- A committee (Nov 2022) identified 30 critical minerals, 24 placed in Part D, Schedule I of MMDR Act, 1957.
- Central Govt now has exclusive authority to auction leases for these 24 minerals.
- Proposal for Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) for research & updating list.
Importance of Critical Minerals:
- Energy transition & National Security: Used in Solar PV, Wind, EVs, Batteries, Defence, Electronics.
- Supply chain risk: Often concentrated in a few countries (China, Australia, Chile, Congo).
Usage:
- Solar – Silicon, Tellurium, Indium, Gallium.
- Wind – Rare Earths: Dysprosium, Neodymium (magnets).
- EVs – Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt.
- Energy Storage – Lithium-ion batteries (Li, Co, Ni).
NCMM – Objectives:
- Secure supply chain (domestic + overseas sourcing).
- Strengthen value chains – exploration, processing, R&D, recycling.
- Skill development & patents in mineral tech.
- Build strategic reserves (stockpile).
Mission Targets (2024–31):
| Key Area | Target |
| Domestic Exploration Projects | 1200 |
| Overseas Mines (PSUs) | 26 |
| Overseas Mines (Private) | 24 |
| Recycling from scrap/waste | 400 kt |
| Patents in value chain | 1000 |
| Skill development | 10,000 trained |
| Mineral Processing Parks | 4 |
| Centres of Excellence | 3 |
| Mineral Stockpiles | 5 |
Key Features:
- Fast-track approvals, new Exploration Licence (EL) for private players.
- Secondary recovery (fly ash, red mud, tailings).
- Offshore exploration: Polymetallic nodules (Co, REEs, Ni, Mn).
- Auctioning 100+ mineral blocks.
- Involvement of PSUs, States, Private sector.
International Partnerships:
- KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd):
- MoU with Argentina (2024) → Lithium exploration (15,703 ha).
- MoU with Australia (2022) → Strategic cooperation.
- Due diligence: Lithium & cobalt projects in Australia.
- IREL (India) Ltd: Odisha, Kerala plants for REEs; exports & R & R&D expansion.
Relevance for Climate Goals:
- Supports:
- 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 (2005 baseline).
- 50% electricity from non-fossil by 2030.
- Net-zero by 2070.
- NCMM ensures steady mineral supply for solar, wind, EVs, storage → clean energy future.
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