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Critical minerals are essential elements used in high-tech industries, renewable energy technologies, defence, and advanced manufacturing. Their unique properties are crucial for producing electronics, batteries, and aerospace components. They are vital for technological innovation, economic growth, and national security. Limited global supply and geopolitical factors make securing access to critical minerals strategically important, influencing global trade and economic stability. The Government of India has identified 30 minerals as critical under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Critical Minerals as a Geostrategic Tool:

• Technological Edge: Critical minerals are essential for producing high-tech devices, providing nations with a technological advantage and fostering innovation in key industries.
  For example : Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries for consumer electronics, enhancing the performance and longevity of smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices.
• Defence Capabilities: They are crucial in manufacturing advanced defence systems, bolstering national security and military strength by ensuring access to necessary materials.
  For example: Beryllium is used in aerospace components for its lightweight and strong properties, crucial for aircraft and missile systems.
• Economic Influence: Control over critical mineral supply chains can significantly impact global markets, enhancing a nation’s economic stability and growth prospects.
  For example: Graphite is crucial for electric vehicle batteries, playing a significant role in the automotive and energy storage sectors.
• Energy Transition: These minerals are vital for renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles, facilitating the global shift towards sustainable energy sources.
  For example: Silicon is the primary material for photovoltaic cells, essential in solar energy production.
• Supply Chain Security: Ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals reduces vulnerability to geopolitical tensions, maintaining the reliability of essential industrial supply chains.
  For example: Rare Earth Elements are critical for electronics manufacturing, ensuring stable production of high-tech devices.
• Trade Leverage: Countries with abundant critical minerals can leverage their resources in international trade negotiations, gaining economic and political advantages.
  For example: China’s rare earth dominance influences global supply and prices, affecting international trade dynamics.
• Strategic Reserves: Building strategic reserves of critical minerals helps create a buffer against market fluctuations and supply disruptions, enhancing national resilience.
  For example: Japan’s rare earth stockpiling ensures steady supply and mitigates risks from market volatility and geopolitical tensions.
  

Strategies for India to Leverage Critical Mineral Resources:

• Resource Mapping and Exploration: Conduct comprehensive geological surveys to identify and quantify domestic reserves of critical minerals, enhancing resource management.
  For instance: Comprehensive surveys in the Aravalli Range can uncover significant zinc reserves, bolstering domestic supply.
• International Partnerships: Forge strategic alliances and trade agreements with mineral-rich countries to secure a stable, long-term supply of critical minerals.
  For instance: Securing Agreements with Australia for lithium can stabilise India’s supply for battery production.
• Investment in R&D: Increase funding for research and development in advanced extraction, processing, and recycling technologies to improve resource utilisation.
  For instance:  Research can develop innovative alternative extraction methods for rare earths  to efficiently extract rare earth elements.
• Policy Incentives: Develop and implement policies that incentivize domestic mining and processing industries, including tax benefits and subsidies.
  For instance: Financial support for green mining initiatives can ensure sustainable resource utilisation.
• Sustainable Practices: Promote environmentally sustainable mining practices to ensure ecological balance and the well-being of local communities.
  For instance: Promoting biodiversity conservation in mining areas can balance economic activities with environmental protection.
• Strategic Stockpiling: Establish strategic reserves of critical minerals to manage supply chain risks and mitigate the impact of market volatility.
• Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure to support efficient mining, processing, and transportation of critical minerals, enhancing operational efficiency.
  For instance: Developing efficient transportation networks for mineral logistics can streamline the supply chain from mines to markets.

With a commitment to attaining 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, these minerals are crucial for achieving India’s green objectives. Given the 100% import reliance for lithium and nickel, securing a stable and sustainable supply of these critical minerals is vital. This proactive approach will strengthen India’s position in the global market, foster innovation, ensure economic resilience, and support national security.

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