[Answered] India’s critical mineral vulnerability necessitates fast-tracked domestic exploration for strategic autonomy. Analyze the economic, technological, and policy challenges in achieving self-reliance in securing these vital supply chains.

Introduction

In the era of clean energy and digital transition, critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths underpin strategic technologies. India’s dependence on imports threatens its economic security and technological autonomy.

Why Critical Minerals Matter

1. Critical minerals are essential inputs for: Electric vehicle (EV) batteries (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel), Renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., rare earths, copper), Electronics and AI technologies (e.g., graphite, silicon, tin), Defence and aerospace sectors (e.g., titanium, tungsten, rare earths).
2. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for critical minerals could rise by up to 400% by 2040 under global clean energy transitions.
3. India, with ambitions of becoming a global hub for clean energy, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing, cannot afford to remain import-dependent in these sectors.

India’s Critical Mineral Vulnerability

1. Heavy Import Dependence: India imports 100% of its lithium needs, primarily from Australia and Argentina. Over 90% of rare earth processing is controlled by China, a geopolitical rival. Even basic minerals like copper, vital for electrical infrastructure, are largely imported.
2. Supply Chain Risks:  China’s dominance poses strategic risks. Example: In 2023, Beijing restricted gallium and germanium exports—both vital for semiconductors. Global supply is highly concentrated—Congo (70% cobalt), Indonesia (50% nickel), China (60% rare earths mining, 90% processing).

Economic and Technological Challenges

1. Underexploration: Only 10% of India’s total Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) has been explored in detail. Lack of baseline geospatial data and high-resolution surveys delay new discoveries.
2. Limited Processing Capacity: India lacks refining infrastructure for many critical minerals. No operational rare earth separation plant of commercial scale exists in the country.
3. High Initial Costs & Delayed Returns: Mineral exploration is capital-intensive and time-consuming. Private sector participation is low due to policy uncertainty and land acquisition bottlenecks.

Policy and Strategic Constraints

1. Outdated Policy Framework: Until recently, critical minerals were not classified separately under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Exploration by private players was discouraged due to regulatory ambiguity.
2. Slow Licensing and Clearances: Multiple overlapping approvals (environmental, forest, land) delay exploration and mining. Average time to begin commercial operations is over 5-7 years.
3. Global Investment Hesitancy: Unpredictable taxation and royalty regimes deter foreign investment. Lack of strategic stockpiling policy unlike Japan or South Korea.

Way Forward: A Strategic Roadmap

1. Policy Reform and Fast-Track Clearance: Implement National Mineral Policy 2019 with urgency. Operationalize the Critical Minerals List (2023) and enable a single-window clearance system.
2. Domestic Exploration Push: Scale up airborne geophysical surveys via the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Incentivize private exploration under the new Revenue Sharing Model introduced in 2023.
3. Build Processing Ecosystem: Invest in Rare Earth Element (REE) separation plants. Collaborate with countries like Australia, Argentina, and Chile for technology transfer and joint ventures.
4. Strategic Reserves and Recycling: Create strategic reserves of key minerals like cobalt and lithium. Promote urban mining and battery recycling, especially for lithium-ion batteries (LiBs).

Conclusion

India’s critical mineral strategy must ensure secure, self-reliant supply chains through exploration, processing, and policy reform. Strategic autonomy in this domain underpins the nation’s technological future and global competitiveness.