Government of India launched National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to ensure self-reliance in critical minerals, which are essential for clean energy, electric vehicles, national security, and technological advancement. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will conduct 1,200 exploration projects under this mission between 2024-25 to 2030-31.
About National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
Objectives of NCMM:
- Secure critical mineral supply chain from both domestic and foreign sources.
- Strengthen value chains by improving: Skill development; Technology; Financial and innovation frameworks; Regulatory ecosystem; Global competitiveness in mining and processing.
- Comprehensive coverage: From exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing to recycling.
- Enhance domestic production and promote overseas acquisition by PSUs and private entities.
- Build mineral stockpiles, develop processing parks, and initiate offshore mining.
Key Features of NCMM:
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines
- Financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and recovery.
- Fast-track regulatory approvals for mining projects.
- Promote overseas acquisition by PSUs and private firms.
- Create strategic mineral stockpiles and processing parks.
- Support offshore mining for polymetallic nodules (cobalt, REEs).
- Coordination by Empowered Committee on Critical Minerals.
Mission Output (2024–25 to 2030–31)
| Objective | Activity | Target |
| Domestic Exploration | Critical Mineral Exploration Projects | 1200 |
| Overseas Sourcing | Mines acquired by PSUs abroad | 26 |
| Mines acquired by Private Entities abroad | 24 | |
| Recycling | Recovery Incentives (in kilo tonnes) | 400 kt |
| Innovation | Patents in Critical Mineral Value Chain | 1000 |
| Skilling | Trained Workforce | 10,000 |
| Infrastructure | Mineral Processing Parks | 4 |
| R&D | Centres of Excellence | 3 |
| Strategic Reserve | Mineral Stockpile (Cumulative) | 5 |
Background:
- Ministry of Mines in 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, of which 24 were included in Part D, Schedule I of the MMDR Act, 1957, giving the Central Government exclusive rights to auction them.
- Recommended setting up a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) for periodic review and policy direction.
What Are Critical Minerals?
Critical minerals are essential for:
- Economic development
- National security
- Green energy transition
India relies heavily on imports for minerals like lithium, cobalt, REEs, silicon, tin, titanium, etc. These minerals are crucial for solar panels, EV batteries, wind turbines, and electronics.
Sector-Wise Usage of Critical Minerals:
Solar Energy:
- Silicon, Tellurium, Indium, Gallium → Photovoltaic cells.
- India’s installed capacity: 64 GW (2024).
Wind Energy:
- Dysprosium, Neodymium → Permanent magnets.
- Goal: 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030.
Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt → Lithium-ion batteries.
- EV Target: 6–7 million units under NEMMP.
Energy Storage Systems:
- Depend on Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel for battery production.
Other Government Initiatives
Policy Reforms:
- MMDR Amendment Act, 2023: Enables critical mineral exploration and mining.
- National Mineral Policy, 2019: Focus on sustainable development.
- Union Budget 2024–25: Removed customs duties on most critical minerals.
Domestic Exploration & Reserves:
- GSI: Leading lithium and REE surveys.
- Lithium discovery (2023): Reasi district, J&K.
- Plans to develop Strategic Mineral Reserves for lithium and cobalt.
International Collaborations
Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) – Formed in 2019 for global acquisition.
- Deals in Argentina, Australia.
- KABIL-CAMYEN deal (Argentina, 2024): 15,703 hectares for lithium.
MoU with Australia (2022) – Critical Minerals Office.
Talks with DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – For cobalt and copper.
Strategic tie-ups with Africa, Latin America, ASEAN.Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) – India joined the US-led alliance in 2023.