India Launches National Critical Mineral Mission to Boost Green Energy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Lead Agency | Geological Survey of India (GSI) |
| Coordinating Ministry | Ministry of Mines |
| Key Objectives | Ensure long-term availability, reduce import reliance, build global partnerships, develop value chains, promote R&D and skill development |
| Identified Critical Minerals | 30 minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, tungsten) |
| Included in MMDR Act, 1957 | 24 minerals under Part D of Schedule I |
| Applications | Solar energy (silicon, tellurium), wind energy (dysprosium, neodymium), EVs (lithium, nickel, cobalt), energy storage (lithium-ion batteries) |
| Solar Energy Capacity | 64 GW |
| Wind Energy Goal | 140 GW by 2030 (from 42 GW) |
| EV Deployment Target | 6-7 million (NEMMP target) |
| **Exploration Projects (2024-25) | 195 new projects (35 in Rajasthan) |
| Critical Mineral Blocks | Over 100 to be auctioned |
| Offshore Exploration | Polymetallic nodules (Co, Ni, Mn, REEs) |
| Reforms | Exploration Licence (EL) for private players, incentives for secondary source recovery |
| Global Partnerships | KABIL agreements with Argentina (CAMYEN SE) and Australia (Critical Minerals Office) |
| Domestic Industry | IREL (India) Limited (rare earth extraction and refining) |
| IREL Turnover (2021-22) | ₹14,625 million |