India’s Critical Mineral Mission: The New Geopolitical Race
The world is pivoting. It shifts toward a clean energy future. In this new era, critical minerals have become the new currency of power. Control over these vital resources dictates tomorrow’s technological landscape. India has entered this high-stakes geopolitical race. It launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). The plan is a strategic blueprint. It is not merely a mining programme. This mission aims to secure India’s energy independence. It will also drive industrial growth.
The stakes are enormous. From the lithium that powers electric vehicles to the rare earths vital for defense, the mission casts its net wide. It runs for a seven-year period. Its proposed expenditure is a staggering ₹16,300 crore. There is also an expected investment of ₹18,000 crore. This investment comes from public and private sectors. The mission has set major climate goals. It wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The NCMM is the central pillar of this vision.
A Grand Blueprint, A Global Challenge
The NCMM has set a series of ambitious goals. It plans to secure domestic and international supply sources. It simultaneously wants to strengthen mineral value chains. The government has also set aside a considerable ₹100 crore. These funds are for pilot projects. The goal is to tap into unconventional sources. They will recover minerals from industrial waste. This is an innovative step forward.
However, the plan faces significant hurdles. Competing with established global giants is one such challenge. These giants have dominated the market for decades. Furthermore, India’s domestic ecosystem is still nascent. Building it from the ground up requires time and massive capital. Therefore, questions arise about the feasibility of the mission’s goals. Is this budget enough? Will India truly find its place in this new global order?
Recycling and Reality: Paving the Way for Independence
The mission also focuses on recycling. It targets strategic minerals from secondary sources. E-waste and old batteries are key sources. An incentive scheme of ₹1,500 crore was approved. This is designed to boost India’s recycling capacity. The initiative aims to build a 270 kilo-ton annual recycling capacity. It also hopes to generate nearly 70,000 jobs. This is a critical step.
Still, the push for independence faces a harsh reality. Securing overseas assets is fiercely competitive. Geopolitical tensions make it even more difficult. India must navigate these complexities with care. The mission aims to attract private players. They need to acquire stakes in overseas projects. This is a strategic move. It is necessary to strengthen India’s global footprint. But it requires powerful diplomatic backing.
A New Promise to the Layman
For the average citizen, the National Critical Mineral Mission faces tough questions. A common sentiment suggests that ministers and their families benefit from parallel projects, like the ethanol push. This creates a public perception of a lack of a level playing field. It also leaves many wondering if a better future is truly on the horizon. Furthermore, the high cost of hybrid petrol vehicles proves that “green” tech isn’t always affordable. Yet, the mission’s core promise is different. It is to produce affordable, Indian-made electric cars. This can directly cut fuel costs for millions.
However, many correctly point out that lithium batteries are not entirely eco-friendly. They raise valid concerns about the environmental footprint. This mission addresses that very issue. It is not just about mining. It is about a new circular economy. The plan promises new jobs in recycling plants. These plants will turn old batteries and electronics into valuable resources. Therefore, the mission is a comprehensive strategy. It aims to deliver a better, greener life. It seeks to do so by tackling the entire problem head-on.bsite.
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, her professional stints include working with Sahara English magazine and JAIN TV among others.
