India is taking big steps to boost its mining game with the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). On Friday, Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy shared exciting updates, saying this mission will drive major progress in exploring critical minerals both at home and abroad.
The government kicked off the NCMM in 2025 to build self-reliance in the critical minerals sector. They’ve pumped in Rs 32,000 crore to make it happen, including duty-free imports to speed things up. Reddy is confident that a team effort across government departments will lead to real breakthroughs soon.
Under the mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) will tackle 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31. Back in November 2022, a Ministry of Mines committee pinpointed 30 critical minerals, with 24 now added to Part D of Schedule I in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). This move gives the central government full control to auction mining leases and licenses for these key resources.
The plan also includes setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to keep the mineral list fresh and shape smart strategies moving forward.
Why does this matter? Critical minerals power everything from solar panels and wind turbines to electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems—essentials for clean energy tech. They’re vital for India’s economic growth and national security too. Without a steady supply, supply chains could face big risks, especially since these minerals are often limited to a few spots around the world.
With the NCMM, India aims to secure long-term access, processing, and availability of these game-changing resources, reducing dependencies and fueling a greener future.
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