(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Ranjit Rath, the head of Oil India Limited and a key figure in the Confederation of Indian Industry’s energy sector, is pushing hard for India to grab overseas assets in critical minerals. He says this move is key to boosting the country’s energy security and speeding up its shift to green energy.
India isn’t just digging into its own reserves—it’s also hunting for deals abroad, much like it did years ago in the oil and gas world. Rath shared these thoughts with reporters on the edges of the 6th CII International Energy Conference in New Delhi.
He points out that India has spent decades building a strong network in oil and gas, teaming up with global and local players on everything from two-way deals to big international projects. Now, that same smart strategy is rolling out for renewables and critical minerals.
“Critical minerals are must-haves,” Rath explains. They’re vital for battery storage and weaving renewable energy into the grid. Plus, they power high-tech fields like defense, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge computing.
When it comes to lithium—a hot commodity for batteries—Rath breaks it down: There are hard rock deposits mainly in Africa and Australia, and brine sources in Latin America’s salt flats. India is checking out opportunities in Argentina and eyeing buys in Australia.
The focus stays on Latin America and Australia, where lithium potential runs deep. But Rath keeps details under wraps, thanks to strict confidentiality pacts with partners.
“It’s all about teamwork,” he adds. “Energy security meets global partnerships to deliver affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy for everyone.”
Rath also highlights how energy needs are changing fast. Electricity isn’t just for homes and cars anymore—it’s fueling booming AI and machine learning industries.
To keep up, India needs a smart mix of energy sources. That means blending thermal power with solar and battery storage so they all work together smoothly.
As India grows into a top global hub for tech capabilities and data centers, Rath stresses the push for cheap, eco-friendly power that you can count on 100%.
Earlier this year in April, China slapped export limits on some rare earth materials, sparking fears of worldwide shortages that could hit India hard. These controls spotlight supply chain risks, especially in vital industries like tech and renewables.
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