Paper: GS – I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Resources – World and India, Issue: India Exploring Critical Minerals.
Context:
The evolution of human civilization has always been linked to the use of metals. From the Chalcolithic Age to the Iron Age, metals have driven progress. We are entering the “critical minerals age,” where these resources are central to global power dynamics.
Key Highlights:
The Supply Chain Challenge:
The supply of critical minerals is highly concentrated, creating vulnerabilities:
- Mining Concentration: A few countries dominate the mining of specific minerals. For example, Congo for Cobalt, Indonesia for Nickel, China for Rare Earths.
- Processing Dominance: China controls a significant portion of critical mineral processing, especially for rare earths.
India’s Challenges and Way Forward:
India faces a significant challenge in securing its supply of critical minerals:
- Under-Exploration: India remains largely under-explored for minerals.
- Dependence on Imports: Relying on overseas supply chains is difficult, as even the US is struggling to do so.
To address these challenges, India needs to take the following steps:
- Fast-Track Exploration: Emulate the US policy of accelerating mineral exploration approvals.
- Domestic Focus: Prioritize exploring India’s own geological resources.
- Secure Supply Chains: Develop strategies to secure mineral supply chains, potentially through strategic partnerships or investments in overseas mining projects.
- Diversify Sources: Reduce reliance on single-source suppliers, particularly China.
- Invest in Processing: Develop domestic processing capabilities to reduce dependence on other countries.
- Promote R&D: Invest in research and development to find alternative materials and improve mineral extraction and processing technologies.
- Strategic Stockpiling: Create strategic stockpiles of critical minerals to buffer against supply disruptions.
- International Collaboration: Work with like-minded countries to establish secure and diversified supply chains.
By taking these steps, India can ensure its access to the critical minerals needed to fuel its economic growth and technological advancement.
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