India Expands Exploration for Critical Minerals in Global Markets

India is exploring critical minerals in Zambia, Congo, and Australia as part of its strategy to secure lithium and other vital raw materials. The Zambian government has allocated 9,000 square kilometers for these efforts. Additionally, India has announced plans to explore lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforced by a significant investment strategy to enhance its critical minerals sector.

India is actively pursuing opportunities to explore critical minerals in Zambia, Congo, and Australia, as stated by Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao. This initiative aligns with India’s strategy to secure essential raw materials like lithium, vital for energy transition technologies. Key players such as Coal India, NMDC, and ONGC Videsh are involved in these exploratory efforts in Australia.

The Zambian government has agreed to allocate 9,000 square kilometers for India to explore cobalt and copper. In addition to Zambia, India is assessing mining prospects in Congo and Tanzania. Furthermore, Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced plans to explore lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, with clarity expected by May 2025.

In February 2023, the discovery of lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir was confirmed, estimating reserves at 5.9 million metric tons. However, there has been a lack of bids for the auction of mining rights in the region. In total, over 20 minerals, including lithium, have been designated as critical to India’s energy transition and to fulfill rising industrial demands.

In January 2025, the Indian government approved an investment of Rs 63 billion (approximately $1.88 billion) to advance the development of the critical minerals sector. This funding underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in mineral processing, an area currently dominated by China.

In summary, India is making significant strides in securing critical minerals necessary for energy transition technologies through exploration initiatives in Zambia, Congo, Australia, and Jammu and Kashmir. With substantial investments and strategic partnerships, India aims to reduce its dependency on imported minerals, thus bolstering its position in the global mineral market.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com