Answer:

Introduction:

The energy transition, i.e., the shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources, is integral for combating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential components of renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. 

Body:

However, the limited availability and supply risks of these minerals pose significant challenges for rapid and sustainable energy transitions.

Challenges:

• Geopolitical Risks: 
  • A significant proportion of critical mineral reserves is concentrated in a few countries, leading to geopolitical risks. 
  • For instance, as of 2020, China controls over 60% of global rare earth elements production.
• Price Volatility: 
  • The high demand and restricted supply of these minerals can lead to price volatility, increasing the costs of renewable energy technologies.
• Environmental Impacts: 
  • The extraction of critical minerals often leads to severe environmental impacts, such as water pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.
• Human Rights Concerns: 
  • Mining of certain critical minerals like cobalt in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo has been associated with serious human rights abuses, including child labour.

Strategies for India:

• Diversifying Supply Chains: 
  • India should diversify its critical mineral supply chains to reduce reliance on a single or few countries.
• Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: 
  • India can form strategic partnerships and alliances with countries rich in these resources to secure their supply. 
  • For example, India has signed a MoU with Argentina for lithium, a critical mineral for battery storage.
• Promoting Domestic Production:
  • Where feasible, India should promote domestic production of these minerals. 
  • For example, India’s Monazite sands have a significant concentration of rare earth elements.
• Recycling and Circular Economy: 
  • India should promote recycling and a circular economy for critical minerals, reducing the need for new mining and mitigating environmental impacts.
• Research and Development: 
  • India should invest in R&D for alternative materials and technologies that can replace or reduce the use of critical minerals.

Conclusion: 

Securing a sustainable and affordable supply of critical minerals is crucial for India’s energy transition goals. While there are significant challenges, a combination of diversifying supply chains, strategic partnerships, promoting domestic production, recycling, and R&D can mitigate these risks. Through these measures, India can not only ensure its energy security but also move towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

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