Home / Business and Economy / India Launches $4 Billion Mission to Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Production
India Launches $4 Billion Mission to Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Production
10 Nov
Summary
- India signs deals with Australia, Argentina, Chile for mining, exploration
- India faces twin challenge of securing access to critical minerals and navigating US-China competition
- India auctioning rare earth, lithium, and other critical mineral blocks to ramp up domestic production
As of November 10, 2025, India has made securing access to critical minerals a key priority in its pursuit of long-term net zero emissions goals. The country has launched a ₹34,300 crore (approximately $4 billion) National Critical Mineral Mission to boost domestic production and exploration, while also signing strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations like Australia, Argentina, and Chile.
India faces a twin challenge of securing geographically concentrated critical mineral reserves and navigating the intense competition between the US and China over global supply chains. China currently controls nearly 90% of the world's rare earth element processing, despite mining only half of the global output. With demand for these minerals expected to more than double by 2030, India is actively engaged in multiple international initiatives, including the US-led Mineral Security Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, to strengthen its critical minerals value chain.
Alongside its global efforts, India is also ramping up domestic production. The ministry of mines has auctioned several rare earth, lithium, and other critical mineral blocks across the country, including in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Geological Survey of India has also significantly increased exploration activities, with plans to carry out 95 rare earth projects by 2025-26.
