National Critical Mineral Mission 

What is the National Critical Mineral Mission?

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is an initiative launched by the Government of India to secure and enhance the country’s access to critical minerals that are vital for sectors like high-tech industries, clean energy, and defence. This mission aims to reduce India’s dependency on foreign sources for these minerals, improve domestic capabilities, and position India as a self-reliant nation in this crucial sector.
1. Exploration and Mining: It focuses on intensifying the exploration of critical minerals within India and in offshore areas. The mission aims to speed up the entire mining process, including regulatory approvals, to make it easier to extract these minerals.
2. Financial Incentives: The mission offers incentives to encourage exploration, recovery from waste materials (like mining overburden and tailings), and the development of new mining technologies.
3. Supply Chain Development: It aims to build a strong domestic supply chain by setting up mineral processing parks and encouraging the development of processing facilities within India.
4. Research and Innovation: The mission will promote research into critical mineral technologies and establish a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals, fostering innovation to make mining and processing more efficient.
5. International Engagement: The mission encourages Indian companies, both public and private, to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and enhance trade with resource-rich nations.
6. Stockpiling: It involves the creation of a stockpile of critical minerals within India, ensuring a steady domestic supply.

What are the critical minerals?

A “critical mineral” is a mineral considered essential for national security or economic development due to its limited supply and vital role in advanced technologies, while a “major mineral” refers to a mineral needed in large quantities by the human body, and an “atomic mineral” is a mineral containing significant amounts of radioactive elements used primarily for nuclear energy purposes

Critical Minerals Under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 introduced significant reforms in the mining sector, particularly focusing on critical minerals.
1. Critical Minerals Under the MMDR Act: Critical minerals are essential for advanced technologies, energy security, and economic development. These minerals are crucial for industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and defence.
2. Omission of Six Atomic Minerals: The amendment removed six minerals from the list of 12 atomic minerals specified in Part B of the First Schedule of the Act. These include:
Lithium-bearing minerals
Titanium-bearing minerals and ores
Beryl and other beryllium-bearing minerals
Niobium and Tantalum-bearing minerals
Zirconium-bearing minerals
3. Exclusive Central Government Authority for Auctions: The amendment empowers the Central Government to auction mineral concessions for critical minerals listed in Part-D of the First Schedule of the Act. The revenue from these auctions will go to the respective State Governments.
4. Introduction of Exploration Licences: A new provision allows for exploration licences for deep-seated and critical minerals to encourage private investment and enhance domestic production.

Critical mineral Vs Major Mineral Vs Atomic Minerals:

Siginificance of critical minerals in various sector:

1. Electric Vehicles: Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are crucial for battery technology in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, supporting the shift to clean transportation.
2. Renewable Energy: Rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, and silicon are used in wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage, facilitating the transition to renewable energy sources.
3. Electronics and Telecommunications: Rare earth elements, gold, copper, and tantalum are essential for manufacturing electronic devices, circuit boards, and telecommunications infrastructure.
4. Defense and National Security: Rare earth elements, titanium, cobalt, lithium, and tungsten are key for producing advanced weapons, defense technologies, and military equipment.
5. Aerospace and Aviation: Titanium, aluminum, rare earth elements, and cobalt are used in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and high-performance engines.
6. Medical Devices and Healthcare: Cobalt, titanium, platinum, gold, and rare earth elements are important for medical implants, diagnostic tools, and medical equipment.
7. Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies: Manganese, chromium, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential for steel production, durable alloys, and industrial machinery.
8. Agriculture: Potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen are vital for fertilizers that support global food production.

What are the limitations on exploring full Potential of critical minerals in india?

1. Geological and Exploration Challenges: Lack of comprehensive geological data and complex exploration techniques hinder discovery and extraction.
2. Regulatory and Policy Constraints: Slow approval processes, complex licensing, and bureaucratic delays slow down mining projects.
3. Environmental Concerns: Mining leads to ecological damage, and public opposition can delay projects.
4. Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor transport networks and insufficient processing facilities increase costs and hinder mineral extraction.
5. Investment and Funding: High capital requirements and financial risks deter private investment in exploration and processing.
6. Global Supply Chain Dependencies: Heavy reliance on imports and geopolitical risks limit self-sufficiency.
7. Technology and Research Gaps: Lack of advanced extraction technologies and insufficient R&D limit efficient mining and processing.
8. Geopolitical and Strategic Issues: Global competition for resources and trade barriers complicate access to critical minerals.
9. Skilled Workforce Shortage: A lack of trained professionals in mining and mineral processing restricts growth.

Way forward to tap the Potential of critical minerals:

1. Enhanced Geological Surveys: Conduct more extensive geological surveys to identify untapped mineral deposits, especially in under-explored regions and offshore areas.
2. Streamlining Regulatory Processes: Simplify and expedite the regulatory approval process for mining projects, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and making it easier for investors to access and develop critical mineral resources.
3. Investing in Infrastructure: Develop better transportation networks, mining infrastructure, and processing facilities to reduce logistical costs and improve the efficiency of mineral extraction and processing.
4. Promoting Private Investment: Offer attractive financial incentives and tax breaks to encourage private companies to invest in exploration, mining, and the development of new technologies for efficient extraction.
5. Research and Innovation: Invest in R&D to develop advanced mining and mineral processing technologies, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Establish more research centers to foster innovation in the sector.
6. Securing Supply Chains: Establish strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, create stockpiles of critical minerals, and diversify import sources to reduce dependence on a few foreign suppliers.
7. Developing Skilled Workforce: Invest in specialized training and education programs to develop a skilled workforce capable of handling advanced mining and mineral processing technologies.
8. Sustainability Focus: Implement environmentally responsible mining practices, including better waste management and reclamation methods, to address concerns about ecological damage and community opposition.
9. International Engagement: Strengthen international trade relations and acquisitions to secure critical mineral assets abroad, ensuring a consistent and diverse supply chain for India’s future needs.

Download Plutus IAS Current Affairs (Eng) 30th Jan 2025

Conclusion

The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) is a strategic initiative to ensure India’s self-reliance in critical minerals, which are essential for the growth of sectors like high-tech industries, clean energy, defense, and manufacturing. While challenges such as exploration difficulties, regulatory delays, and infrastructure gaps exist, there are clear opportunities to unlock the full potential of these resources through better research, investments in infrastructure, and policy reforms. By addressing these limitations, India can position itself as a global leader in the critical mineral sector, ensuring both economic growth and national security.

Prelims Question: