{"id":85036,"date":"2026-04-15T16:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T10:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=85036"},"modified":"2026-04-16T17:52:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:22:16","slug":"critical-minerals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/critical-minerals\/","title":{"rendered":"Critical Minerals, About, Application, Availability, Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why in the news?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of the continuous Structural reforms in the mining sector undertaken by Government of India to align with the\u00a0 vision of <\/span><b>Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the Government has recently notified <\/span><b>Coking Coal as Critical and Strategic mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1975 (MMDR Act).<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">About Critical Minerals<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals are the set of minerals which are crucial for <\/span><b>national security and\u00a0 latest modern technologies and economic development <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">but due to their lack of availability, geographical concentration, extraction or processing difficulties leads to supply chain disruptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are they called Critical Minerals?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The criticality level of minerals are determined by their economic importance and their risk of supply chain disruptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The economic importance depends on the factor of how relevant it is to produce new advanced technologies, while the supply chain vulnerabilities refer to likelihood of shortage due to their geographical scarcity and extraction difficulties.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The major reason for the mineral supply chain disruptions is that they are present in minimum concentration as by-products of the \u2018<\/span><b>major\u2019 minerals.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other reason for their criticality is the <\/span><b>market concentration in the downward processing stage.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance about 40% of global smelting and refining of Cobalt, Lithium, REE and Copper is concentrated in China.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coking Coal Inclusion Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India accounts for about <\/span><b>37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, majorly found in <\/span><b>Jharkhand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with minor reserves in <\/span><b>Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, despite this India saw coking coal imports rising from <\/span><b>51.20 million tonnes in 2020\u201321 to 57.58 million tonnes in 2024\u201325<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At present, around <\/span><b>95% of the steel industry\u2019s coking coal requirement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is fulfilled through imports, creating a heavy drain on foreign exchange.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, classifying coking coal as a <\/span><b>critical mineral<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is expected to increase approvals, upgrade ease of doing business, and boost up exploration and mining, including <\/span><b>deep-seated deposits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exemptions from public consultation and the use of degraded forest land for compensatory afforestation are also likely to attract <\/span><b>greater private sector participation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use of Coking Coal<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Essential for steel making<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Coking coal is a crucial raw material which is used to produce coke, which is essential for steel production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Supports infrastructure growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Steel which is made using coking coal is crucial for buildings, railways, roads, and defence equipment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Economic importance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Reducing dependence on imports can save foreign exchange and strengthen India\u2019s economy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strategic significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A steady supply of coking coal is crucial for industrial security and self-reliance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Employment and investment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Increase in domestic mining can create jobs and can also attract private investment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals Application<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Energy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They are indispensable for clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, advanced batteries for energy storage and transportation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: Lithium and Cobalt are used in Lithium ion batteries which are the backbone of Electric vehicles (Evs)<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Modern technologies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Critical minerals are the foundation on which modern technologies are built. Most of the modern digital devices depend on critical minerals for their manufacturing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: the manufacturing of semiconductors, LEDs and modern micro high speed chips.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Defence and strategic technologies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are used in advanced military equipment to increase precision, to support R&amp;D and other aerospace weaponry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: the use of Titanium in submarines and fighter jets.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medical devices:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Critical minerals play a vital role in the diagnostics, advanced medical equipment and implants.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: Use in MRI and medical imaging systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Space Technologies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Critical minerals are essential for space missions and nuclear energy infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: Use of Beryllium in the satellites and space exploration telescope.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals List<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Government of India in 2023 has notified a list of 30 Critical Minerals, which are crucial for India\u2019s economic development, which is as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 91.1825%; height: 1680px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 25px;\">\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"text-align: center; width: 90.0878%; height: 25px;\" colspan=\"3\"><b>Critical Minerals List<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 25px;\">\n<td style=\"text-align: center; width: 4.60922%; height: 25px;\"><b>S.No.<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; width: 13.9346%; height: 25px;\"><b>Critical Minerals<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center; width: 71.5439%; height: 25px;\"><b>Application<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 76px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 76px;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antimony<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flame retardants, Lead-acid batteries, Lead alloys, Plastics (catalysts and stabilisers), Glass and ceramics<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 76px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beryllium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automotive components: Transport and Defence Manufacturing of Machinery., Electronic and telecommunications equipments<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bismuth<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Casting of Iron<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cadmium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Batteries, Pigments, Coatings<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cobalt<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric Vehicle, Batteries, corrosion resistant alloys, aerospace applications, Pigments and Dyes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copper<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical and electronics products, Electrical Wiring, Solar Panel, Automotive industry<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semiconductors, Integrated Circuits, LEDs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Germanium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optical fibres, satellites, solar cells<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/graphite\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Graphite<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Batteries, Lubricants, fuel cells for EVs, Electric Vehicle<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hafnium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Superalloy, Catalyst precursor, Semiconductors, Oxide for Optical, Nuclear reactors<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronics (Laptops, LED Monitors\/TVs, Smartphones), and semiconductors<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/lithium\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Lithium<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric Vehicle, Batteries, glassware, ceramics, fuel manufacturing, Lubricant<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Molybdenum\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steel alloys, Pigment and Dyes, Catalyst, Electrical and Electronic<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Niobium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Construction, transportation<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nickel<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stainless steel, solar panels, batteries, aerospace, defence applications and Electric Vehicle<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PGE<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auto catalyst, Jewellery, medicine, electronic equipment used by military<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phosphorus\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mineral fertilizer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potash\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemical Fertilizers, Water softener<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 76px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rare earth element (REE)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent magnets for electricity generators and motors, catalyst, polishing, Batteries, Electronics, Defence technologies, wind energy sector, aviation, and Space<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhenium\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Super-alloys, aerospace and machinery uses, Catalysts in petroleum industry<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selenium\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrolytic, Manganese, Glass, pigments<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silicon<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Semiconductors, electronics, and transport equipment, Paints, Aluminum alloys<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strontium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alloys of aluminium, Pigments and Fillers, Glass, Magnets, Pyrotechnic applications<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tantalum\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capacitors, Superalloys, Carbides, Medical technology<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tellurium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solar power, thermoelectric devices, Rubber vulcanising<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">26.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tin<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aerospace, construction, home decor, electronics, jewellery and telecommunications<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">27.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Titanium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aerospace and defence applications, chemicals and petrochemicals, Pigments, Polymers<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 76px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/tungsten\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tungsten<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 76px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mill and cutting tools, Mining and construction tools, Catalysts and pigments, Aeronautics and energy uses, tungsten carbide<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">29.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vanadium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alloys, batteries\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 51px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 4.60922%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 13.9346%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zircon<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 71.5439%; height: 51px;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High value chemical manufacturing and electronics sector<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals Vs. Rare Earth Elements (REE)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Critical Minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a broad class of minerals, which are crucial for the economy and clean energy of a country with a high supply chain vulnerability. Their classification is determined by their strategic importance, economic availability and supply chain risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/rare-earth-elements\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Rare Earth Elements<\/strong><\/a><b> (REE)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a subset of specific 17 chemically similar elements in the periodic table. They are a part of Critical minerals if deemed strategic importance. They are primarily used in high-performance magnets, electronics and defence, EVs and wind turbines.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Mineral Global Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The report by the International Energy Agency provides an outlook for the key energy minerals and rare earth elements.<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 74.1516%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"text-align: center; width: 109.88%;\" colspan=\"4\"><b>Critical Mineral Global Overview<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%; text-align: center;\"><b>S.No.<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%; text-align: center;\"><b>Critical Mineral<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%; text-align: center;\"><b>Top 3 (Mining Countries)<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%; text-align: center;\"><b>Top 3 (Refining Countries)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/copper\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Copper<\/strong><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chile<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peru<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DRC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chile\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DRC<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chile<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chile<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nickel<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Philippines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cobalt<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Democratic Republic of Congo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finland<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graphite<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Madagascar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 7.63473%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 18.7126%;\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">REE<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 40.5689%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Australia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myanmar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 42.9641%;\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">China<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S.A<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malaysia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Mineral Five Pillars Value Chain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the success of the Critical Minerals in India, there is a need to develop capacity at each stage starting from exploration to recycling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the success of the Critical Minerals in India, there is a need to develop capacity at each stage starting from exploration to recycling.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Geoscience and Upstream Exploration<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diverse geological regions of India have been thoroughly mapped by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to recognize mineral-rich areas known as <\/span><b>Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) zones<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These respective zones hold important minerals such as gold, rare earth elements, nickel, and cobalt. Exploration of minerals is mainly undertaken by MECL and State mining departments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earlier, exploration was mainly focused on bulk minerals like coal and iron ore.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, with rising demand for critical minerals the focus has shifted towards deep-seated resources. Reforms such as the MMDR Amendment Act, 2021 and further support from NMET have enabled accelerated participation by the private sector in mineral exploration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>2. Upstream Mining and Extraction<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mining is the process of separating minerals from the earth through both surface or underground methods, depending on the characteristics of the deposit. These operations often use heavy machinery for drilling, blasting, excavation, and transporting minerals for further processing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Midstream \u2013 Processing, Refining and Metallurgy<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although India has strengthened mineral exploration and manufacturing, intermediate processing and refining still need much attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developing advanced, environmentally friendly refining technologies is crucial for building a strong critical minerals ecosystem.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though India has capable research institutions, most of the work remains at the laboratory level.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase in funding and pilot-scale support are essential to commercialize innovations and process minerals efficiently from primary sources as well as waste such as used batteries and mine tailings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Downstream &#8211; Component Manufacturing &amp; Advanced Technology Production<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processed critical minerals are used in EV motors, wind turbines, and other advanced products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Permanent magnets from rare earth metals are key for electric vehicles and renewable energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aatmanirbhar Bharat<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make in India<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> programs promote domestic manufacturing and exports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pli\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) scheme<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> boosts global competitiveness in 13 sectors; 7 key sectors using critical minerals:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large-scale electronics (MeitY)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronic\/technology products (MeitY)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telecom &amp; networking products (DoT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">White goods like ACs &amp; LEDs (DPIIT)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-efficiency solar PV modules (MNRE)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automobiles &amp; auto components (DHI)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced Chemistry Cell batteries (DHI)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5. Material Recovery &amp; Recycling<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recycling majorly reduces dependence on the primary minerals and assists sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lithium-ion batteries and other such tech products can be recycled to recover valuable minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, only steel, lead, copper, and aluminium have significant recycling rates; others have\u00a0 minimal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By 2040, recycling is expected to play a major role globally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong recycling policies and infrastructure are needed to recover minerals from end-of-life products, industrial waste, and post-consumer goods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals Initiatives taken by the Government\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Government of India has launched several initiatives, such as the <\/span><b>National Critical Minerals Mission<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, overseas mineral asset acquisition, exploration reforms, and recycling policies to ensure secure, sustainable, and diversified access to critical minerals essential for economic growth and energy transition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early Policy Recognition (2011)<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Planning Commission (now <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/niti-aayog\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>NITI Aayog<\/strong><\/a>) highlighted the need for assured mineral availability for India\u2019s industrial growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus was placed on systematic exploration, efficient management, recycling, overseas acquisition, and R&amp;D for substitutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A list of <\/span><b>12 strategic minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was identified, including lithium, cobalt, tin, tungsten, rare earths, and others.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ministry of Mines Initiative<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2011, the Ministry of Mines formed a Steering Committee to assess <\/span><b>Rare Earth Elements (REEs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and energy-critical minerals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2012 roadmap emphasized strengthening the entire mineral supply chain from exploration to manufacturing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research on Mineral Criticality<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A CEEW study (2016), supported by DST, highlighted weak research on mineral security in India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It developed a <\/span><b>criticality index for 49 non-fuel minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and identified <\/span><b>13 minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as highly critical by 2030, including rare earths, graphite, germanium, and niobium.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on Rare Earth Elements (2017\u20132020)<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GSI and AMD submitted reports on India\u2019s potential REE deposits and strategies to enhance REE exploration.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India Exim Bank also stressed the importance of securing REEs for economic and strategic needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CSEP Studies on Critical Minerals<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CSEP adopted the <\/span><b>EU methodology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to identify critical minerals for India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies (2021\u20132023) assessed the criticality of <\/span><b>11, 23, and 43 non-fuel minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on economic importance and supply risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These studies also projected mineral demand for <\/span><b>manufacturing and green technologies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Critical Minerals in India: Conclusions &amp; Recommendations<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India adopted a <\/span><b>three-stage assessment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> involving global benchmarking, inter-ministerial consultations, and empirical analysis to identify critical minerals. The study reviewed strategies of major economies and shortlisted <\/span><b>69 globally critical minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, incorporating domestic research inputs. Sectoral consultations ensured alignment with national priorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>EU-style framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on <\/span><b>economic importance and supply risk<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was proposed, highlighting the need for robust indicators such as import reliance and substitutability. Based on this process, <\/span><b>30 minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including <\/span><b>two fertilizer minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, were identified as most critical for India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To address supply vulnerabilities, the report recommends establishing a <\/span><b>Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under the Ministry of Mines. The Centre should focus on advanced exploration, R&amp;D, policy coordination, international collaboration (including KABIL), and periodic updating of the critical minerals list. This would help build a <\/span><b>domestic value chain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reduce <\/span><b>import dependence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in strategic sectors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>UPSC CSE Prelims PYQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b> Consider the following statements: [2025]<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite licenses for certain critical minerals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Which of the statements given above are correct?<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I and II only<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">II and III only<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I and III only<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I, II and III<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read about critical minerals in India, definition, key applications, list of minerals, coking coal as critical mineral, global supply scenario, and national importance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":66301,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[1322],"class_list":{"0":"post-85036","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-critical-minerals","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85036"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85775,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85036\/revisions\/85775"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66301"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=85036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=85036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}