National Critical Mineral Mission Boosts High-Tech Sectors

Why in the news?

The Union Cabinet’s decision on the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aims to enhance domestic mineral production, supporting high-tech, clean energy, and defence sectors, while promoting ethanol production to reduce import dependency.

National Critical Mineral Mission Boosts High-Tech Sectors

Key Announcements by the Prime Minister:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in achieving self-reliance in critical minerals.
  • The mission will support key sectors, including high-tech industries, clean energy, and defence.
  • The Cabinet decision on revised ethanol procurement prices will boost ethanol production and blending targets, reducing India’s dependence on imports.

Boosting Domestic Production of Critical Minerals:

  • The mission aims to enhance domestic exploration and production of critical minerals through auctions.
  • Achievements so far:
    • 23 blocks for critical minerals auctioned in 2024.
    • 15 blocks put up for auction in January 2025.
    • Target to auction 100 blocks by 2031.

Significance of the National Critical Mineral Mission:

  • Energy Security: Supports India’s clean energy transition by securing essential raw materials.
  • Economic Growth: Boosts the manufacturing ecosystem for high-tech industries.
  • Strategic Advancement: Enhances India’s capabilities in defence technologies.
  • Ethanol Production: Strengthens the renewable energy sector through improved ethanol blending
  • The mission is a key step toward achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India)

What are Critical Minerals ?

  • Definition: Essential minerals for a country’s economic development and national security.
  • Global Significance: Key for high-tech electronics, telecommunications, transport, defense, and low-carbon economy transition.
  • Examples: Lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements.
  • India’s Identification: India has identified 30 critical minerals through a three-stage assessment process.
  • Key Minerals: Includes lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, titanium, molybdenum, and vanadium.
  • Selection Criteria: Based on resource availability, import dependency, and importance for future technologies, clean energy, and agriculture.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times