India’s Critical Mineral Landscape

Imagine a world without the glow of LED lights, the hum of electric cars, the grace of aerospace marvels, the green promise of wind turbines and solar panels, a day without batteries powering our lives, fighter jets defending our skies, smart televisions entertaining us, or your trusty smartphone keeping you connected. None of these would exist without a remarkable group of minerals known as “critical minerals.” The term “critical minerals” has gained prominence as countries recognise their strategic importance, although the concept dates back to the Strategic and Critical Minerals Stock Piling Act, 1939 of the United States (US) government. Since then, many countries and regions, including the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the US, and now India, have developed regulations and strategies for these vital minerals.

The mining industry is crucial to India’s economy, serving as a cornerstone for its energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. India has implemented significant developments in its mining policy and trade activities to support this growth effectively, particularly concerning critical minerals.