Shillong, September 27: The Central government is actively working on crafting a comprehensive policy for critical minerals and has invited input from various stakeholders.
In a recent meeting chaired by Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao, who heads the inter-ministerial group (IMG) on critical minerals, discussions revolved around India’s potential membership in the critical raw materials club proposed by the European Union.
As per IANS, the IMG also explored the possibility of entering into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States regarding critical minerals sourcing.
The meeting underscored the importance of gathering input from all relevant ministries to shape a robust policy on critical minerals. Representatives from the Department of Atomic Energy, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of External Affairs participated in the discussions.
Topics covered in the meeting included domestic initiatives, as well as opportunities for multilateral and bilateral partnerships and exploration endeavors.
In June, the Union Mines Ministry released a list of 30 critical minerals deemed vital for economic development and national security. This list includes a diverse range of minerals such as Antimony, Copper, Lithium, Titanium, and more. Officials from the Mines Ministry emphasized that reevaluating the country’s mineral requirements for energy transition and net-zero commitments is crucial to reduce carbon emissions.
The Central government’s efforts reflect the growing recognition of the strategic importance of securing a stable supply of critical minerals for various industrial and technological applications.
