India’s Strategic Exploration of Critical Minerals in Zambia, Congo, and Australia

India is exploring mining opportunities for critical minerals like lithium in Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Australia to reduce import dependency for energy technologies. The government has identified over twenty essential minerals, set aside significant funds for their development, and plans to scrutinize lithium reserves domestically, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

India is actively seeking opportunities to extract critical minerals, particularly lithium, in countries such as Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Australia. This strategic initiative is aimed at reducing the nation’s dependence on imported minerals essential for energy transition technologies. To bolster this sector, India has identified twenty key minerals and allocated substantial financial resources for their development.

The initiative is part of India’s broader efforts to mitigate its reliance on imports from markets predominantly controlled by China, particularly in lithium processing technologies. Recently, Zambia has approved the allocation of 9,000 square kilometers for India to explore resources like cobalt and copper.

Furthermore, India’s Mines Minister, G Kishan Reddy, announced plans to investigate lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, with expectations for clarity on this project by May 2025. Notably, the government reported discovering lithium reserves estimated at 5.9 million metric tons in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2023, although no bids for mining rights have been received thus far.

In 2023, over twenty minerals, including lithium, were designated as “critical” to support India’s energy transition and meet the rising demands from industrial and infrastructure sectors. To develop this critical minerals sector, the Indian government approved an investment of Rs 16,300 crore (approximately $1.88 billion) in January 2025.

In summary, India is taking a proactive approach in exploring critical minerals, particularly lithium, in various countries to ensure energy transition and reduce import reliance. The government’s recognition of key minerals and substantial investments signify a strong commitment to enhancing the domestic mineral sector, crucial for economic growth and technological advancement.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com