Konark, Odisha, January 2025: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressed strong optimism that India is poised to become a global leader in critical minerals, coinciding with the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM). The initiative is aimed at boosting domestic production, reducing import dependence, and promoting offshore mining, marking a strategic step toward resource self-reliance.
Speaking at the 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conference in Konark, attended by dignitaries including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Reddy emphasized, “India will be the global destination for critical minerals.” The CMM, awaiting Union Cabinet approval, is designed to introduce India’s first-ever offshore mineral auctions, setting the stage for enhanced exploration and utilization of strategic resources.
The mission prioritizes essential minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements, which are critical for defense manufacturing, advanced technology production, and the clean energy transition. Reddy underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in unlocking India’s mineral potential and announced an import duty waiver on critical minerals to stimulate domestic supply chains.
Under the initiative, auctions for 48 critical mineral blocks have been launched, with 24 blocks already allotted. An additional 15 blocks have received significant industry participation, while the first offshore mineral auction is expected to substantially reduce India’s reliance on imports.
Reddy encouraged states to establish Mineral Exploration Trusts supported by the Centre, designed to fund exploration activities and optimize the use of royalty revenues. He also called for the expedited closure of non-operational mines and the repurposing of abandoned sites for renewable energy projects, particularly solar installations.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state’s critical role in India’s industrial growth, noting that Odisha’s vast mineral resources have been a key driver of economic development. He emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices and Odisha’s active participation in the Purvodaya Mission, which aims to ensure national prosperity and self-reliance.
During the conference, Reddy and Majhi launched the Mining Tenement System (MTS), a digital platform designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the management of mineral resources. The conference also awarded funding to 11 startups developing indigenous technologies in areas such as high-grade silica production, lithium battery materials, and AI-enabled mining operations.
States leading in mineral block auctions received recognition, with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra emerging as top performers. A booklet on Best Practices in Mine Closure was also released. Union Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao noted that 75% of mining block auctions in India have occurred in the past four years, with Odisha alone generating Rs 1.33 lakh crore in mineral revenue over the last decade.
The National Critical Mineral Mission is poised to strengthen India’s position as a self-reliant global powerhouse in the resource sector, driving industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable development across states while reducing dependence on imports.
