Archive

1. India has identified 24 critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements. These minerals are important for electric mobility, battery storage, electronics, telecommunications, defence and clean energy technologies. India’s dependence on imported refined minerals and high-purity materials creates supply-chain risks due to geographically concentrated global processing capacity.

2. The CAPEX Support Scheme to Promote Critical Mineral Processing was approved by the Union Cabinet on 4 November 2026. It has a total financial outlay of ₹2,814 crore and will operate for five years, from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31. The scheme is fully funded through budgetary support from the Government of India and aims to strengthen domestic lithium and nickel processing capabilities.

2. The Africa Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) was adopted by African Heads of State at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. It aims to transform Africa from an exporter of raw minerals into a hub for mineral beneficiation, green industrialisation and value addition.

2. The strategy focuses on green and critical minerals needed for clean-energy technologies, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, graphite and rare earth elements.

Key Takeaways

Government approves ₹7,280 crore scheme to establish domestic integrated REPM manufacturing ecosystem.

Introduction

Launched in January 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is India’s 7-year strategic blueprint (2024–25 to 2030–31) to secure supply chains of essential minerals critical for clean energy, electronics, transport, and defense. With ₹16,300 crore in government expenditure and ₹18,000 crore expected from PSUs, it aims to ensure mineral self-reliance and technological independence.