10 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. National Critical Mineral Mission

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Introduction

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will lead 1,200 exploration projects between 2024-25 and 2030-31.
• A committee identified 30 critical minerals, and 24 have been added to a special list under the MMDR Act, 1957.
• These 24 minerals will now be auctioned only by the Central Government.
• A Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals will be created to update the list and support strategy development.

Importance of Critical Minerals

• Critical minerals are key to clean energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems.
• They are also vital for national security and economic growth.
• A limited number of countries control the supply of these minerals, which may cause supply chain problems.

Usage in Clean Energy and Industry

• Solar Energy: Minerals like silicon, indium, and gallium are used in solar PV cells.
• Wind Energy: Rare earth elements like dysprosium and neodymium are used in wind turbines.
• Electric Vehicles: Lithium, nickel, and cobalt are essential for EV batteries.
• Energy Storage: Lithium-ion batteries need lithium, cobalt, and nickel for grid and industrial energy storage.

Objectives of the Mission

• To secure mineral supplies both from within India and other countries.
• To build value chains by improving technology, policy support, and skill development in the mining sector.

Key Targets by 2030-31

• 1,200 domestic exploration projects
• 26 foreign mineral acquisitions by PSUs
• 24 acquisitions by private firms
• 400 kilotonnes of minerals to be recovered from recycling
• 1,000 patents developed in the mineral value chain
• 10,000 people trained
• 4 mineral processing parks and 3 research centres established
• 5 strategic mineral stockpiles created

International Investments

• India is supporting public and private investments abroad in critical minerals.
• Partnerships and MoUs have been signed with countries like Argentina and Australia for lithium and cobalt projects.

Support by IREL

• IREL produces minerals like ilmenite and zircon and has rare earth processing plants in Odisha and Kerala.
• The company supports domestic industries and research.

Conclusion

• The mission supports India’s climate goals to cut emissions by 45% and achieve net-zero by 2070.
• It will help ensure a stable supply of essential minerals for clean energy, promote domestic growth, and reduce dependence on imports.

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