Government Encourages Private Investment to Boost the Critical Minerals Sector
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New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) Union Minister of Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday called upon the private sector to direct investments into the critical minerals sector to support the nation in attaining self-reliance in this vital area.
While addressing a 'Chintan Shivir' on critical minerals at Vigyan Bhavan here, the minister emphasized the significance of partnership between the government and private sector, characterizing them as one family united in the pursuit of annual objectives and driving India towards its goal of becoming a developed nation.
During the event, Union Minister of State for Mines Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted the necessity of incorporating modern technologies and industry expertise into research efforts. He pointed out how these actions would boost operational efficiency and support environmental sustainability, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
A pivotal session at the Shivir concentrated on promoting private sector involvement by increasing access to geo-scientific data. The discussions underscored the need to democratize this data to ease exploration activities and stimulate innovation. The Ministry aims to draw private investments and improve the efficiency of mineral exploration through this initiative.
The second session focused on embracing a circular economy within the mining sector. Industry leaders and experts exchanged ideas on sustainable practices to minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and lessen the environmental footprint of mining. The talks reinforced the urgency of transitioning to eco-friendly models for enduring ecological stability and economic development.
The event also delved into strategies for cultivating a robust local ecosystem for mining equipment manufacturing. Participants stressed the importance of fostering innovation and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities to decrease reliance on imports and bolster the ‘Make in India’ initiative. These actions are anticipated to create jobs, advance technological progress, and encourage self-sufficiency in the mining sector.
During the session, Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Dubey introduced the Annual Capacity Building Programme (ACBP) Training Calendar 2025, aimed at improving the skills and capabilities of Ministry of Mines officials and field offices. They also distributed administrative approval letters for 18 research and development projects under the Science and Technology Programme, underscoring the government’s pledge to promote innovation and research in the mining industry.
In line with its commitment to enhancing India’s mining sector, a session aimed at boosting mineral production and accelerating the operationalization of mineral blocks was conducted. Discussions paid particular attention to simplifying regulatory processes, improving exploration capabilities, and utilizing advanced technologies to fully harness India’s mineral resources.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has expanded its exploration projects for critical and strategic minerals from 118 in 2021-22 to 196 in 2024-25 due to their significance for essential industries such as Lithium-Ion batteries, semiconductor technology, and computing.
At present, the extraction of these minerals is largely concentrated in a few countries, notably China, which renders the supply chain susceptible to geopolitical uncertainties.
India is recognized as a potential candidate for developing an alternative supply chain to diminish China’s hold on this essential segment. Currently, India predominantly relies on imports to satisfy its demand while also exploring international mining opportunities.
