Critical Minerals Mission launched for strategic mineral security
July 2024
The government launched the Critical Minerals Mission to secure supply chains for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements essential for renewable energy and electronics sectors. This initiative directly connects to the National Mineral Policy 2019's emphasis on strategic mineral security and technological advancement. The mission includes overseas mineral asset acquisition, domestic exploration acceleration, and recycling technology development. This development is crucial for India's energy transition goals and reducing import dependence on critical minerals, making it highly relevant for UPSC questions on energy security, strategic autonomy, and sustainable development.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on critical mineral security, India's energy transition strategy, strategic autonomy in mineral resources, and integration with renewable energy policies. Likely to appear in both Prelims MCQs and Mains questions on economic development and environmental sustainability.