NITI Aayog Panel Advocates Coordinated Efforts to Boost India's Critical Minerals Self-Reliance

A NITI Aayog committee on critical minerals emphasized the need for coordinated public and private sector efforts, policy support, and accelerated exploration to enhance India's self-reliance in critical minerals like lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt, and nickel. While India holds notable reserves, limited mining has sustained import dependence. Recent policy shifts, including the National Critical Mineral Mission and eased exploration norms, reflect growing strategic focus. Industry efforts include extracting minerals from coal mine overburden and thermal power plant ash, with further actions planned to strengthen resource security and processing capabilities.