In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in critical minerals, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Critical Mineral Seminar in New Delhi today. The event, marked by the launch of the NCMM Outreach Forum under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), drew wide participation from industry, academia, government, and global institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Kishan Reddy emphasized the strategic importance of critical minerals in shaping the future of India’s clean energy transition, defence preparedness, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem by promoting synergies between government bodies, industries, startups, and research institutions.
Strategic Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The NCMM Outreach Forum, as unveiled by the Minister, is set to become a key platform to drive innovation, draw investments, and support sustainable development, aligning with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in critical mineral processing and technology.
Shri Reddy remarked, “As India accelerates its journey towards clean energy and technological self-sufficiency, critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite have become indispensable. Through platforms like the Outreach Forum, we seek to bridge gaps, unlock innovations, and build a secure and transparent supply chain.”
Ministry of Mines Showcases Progress
During the seminar, the Ministry of Mines shared a detailed update on the progress of the NCMM, highlighting successful critical mineral auctions, the launch of Centre of Excellence schemes, and key partnerships that are strengthening the foundation for long-term growth.
Around 200 delegates attended the seminar, representing private and public sector companies, state governments, R&D centres, academic institutions, and international financial organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The diverse participation highlighted the inclusive and collaborative approach of the NCMM.
Hindustan Copper and RITES Sign Strategic MoU
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and RITES Limited, establishing a strategic partnership to ensure a reliable, swift, and sustainable supply chain for metals and critical minerals. The MoU outlines joint initiatives in exploration, extraction, refining, and production of essential minerals in India and abroad.
By leveraging HCL’s mining expertise and RITES’ logistics and infrastructure strengths, the partnership aims to fulfil the nation’s growing demand for critical minerals essential to high-tech industries and renewable energy systems.
Insights from Technical Sessions and Policy Dialogues
The seminar featured an engaging series of technical sessions and policy dialogues, drawing insights from senior policymakers, scientific experts, industry leaders, and state representatives. Discussions focused on:
- Advancements in indigenous mineral processing technologies
- State government initiatives to streamline infrastructure and approvals
- Refining of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and graphite by Indian industry
- Financial innovation models to de-risk private investment
- Circular economy approaches including recycling and extended producer responsibility
Research institutions showcased promising technologies for processing low-grade and complex ores, while private sector experts highlighted breakthroughs in energy-efficient and eco-friendly mineral refining techniques.
Building a Resilient Critical Minerals Ecosystem
The seminar concluded with renewed commitments by all stakeholders to enhance collaboration and strengthen the critical mineral value chain from discovery to end-use. The Ministry of Mines encouraged continued dialogue and joint efforts to ensure that mining and processing within India becomes more robust and sustainable, contributing not only to the domestic supply chain but also to India’s global aspirations.
The National Critical Mineral Mission, through initiatives like this seminar and the newly launched Outreach Forum, aims to transform India into a global hub for critical mineral processing, thus ensuring long-term national security, technological leadership, and economic growth.
