India is aggressively pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to enhance its critical mineral security, according to Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy. The nation aims to build strategic stockpiles, significantly increase domestic processing capabilities, and formalize e-waste recycling to curb its reliance on imports for vital resources.
Bolstering Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Speaking at an industry conference in New Delhi, Minister Reddy emphasized the government's commitment to developing complete critical mineral value chains. This includes creating mineral reserves and actively acquiring overseas assets to meet the escalating demand for essential elements like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements, crucial for electronics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched with a planned investment of up to ₹34,000 crore by 2030, is central to this effort. Reddy highlighted significant progress, noting that 571 exploration projects have been undertaken in the last two years against a target of 1,200 under the mission. The Geological Survey of India alone has initiated 300 critical mineral projects this year.
Overcoming Processing Challenges
Despite robust exploration, India has faced challenges in processing critical minerals. To address this, the government is establishing four dedicated critical mineral processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. These facilities are designed to support refining and processing activities, a crucial step as demand for these minerals surges with growth in manufacturing and renewable energy sectors.
E-Waste Recycling: A Key Alternative Source
Recognizing the potential of urban mining, India is also intensifying its efforts to formalize and scale up e-waste recycling. Annually, India generates approximately 1.75 million tonnes of e-waste, with a significant 90-95% currently handled by the informal sector. To transition this into a structured industry, the government has introduced a ₹1,500-crore incentive program for critical mineral recycling and urban mining.
This initiative has seen considerable uptake, with 125 entities registered under the scheme and 58 projects already receiving approvals. These approved projects are projected to recover about 96 kilotonnes of critical minerals annually, offering a faster alternative source compared to new mining projects, which typically have a seven to ten-year gestation period.
Global Outreach for Resource Acquisition
Beyond domestic measures, India is actively expanding its overseas resource acquisition. The country has successfully acquired five lithium blocks in Argentina and is engaged in discussions for further acquisitions with other nations. Additionally, India has forged critical mineral and technology partnerships with countries including Japan, Peru, and the United Kingdom, strengthening its international supply network.
The government is also providing robust support to private companies through the National Mineral Development Trust and continuing regulatory reforms in the mining sector, including the recent passage of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. Minister Reddy urged greater private-sector participation across exploration, processing, recycling, and mining technology to secure the minerals essential for India's industrial growth and energy transition.