NITI Aayog's Recommendations for India's Critical Minerals Strategy
Addressing India's future critical mineral needs is essential for sustainable economic growth. NITI Aayog, a government think tank, has outlined strategic recommendations to strengthen domestic capabilities and minimize import dependence.
Domestic Exploration and Mining
- Implement a mission-oriented R&D framework to enhance domestic innovation and technology capability.
- Introduce a conditional First Come, First Served (FCFS) access system for early-stage exploration of priority Critical Energy Transition Minerals, emphasizing milestones, data disclosure, and rights-based progression.
International Supply and Import Risk
- Diversify international supply sources.
- Reduce import risk by classifying minerals based on concentration and geopolitical exposure.
- Tailor overseas engagement according to these classifications.
Secondary Feedstock and Resource Utilization
- Permit controlled imports of high-value scrap.
- Enable authorized access to mine tailings and legacy waste.
- Conduct a national assessment of tailings potential.
Policy and Market Coordination
- Establish a National Critical Raw Material (CRM) Analytical Strategy Unit for improved policy and market instrument calibration.
Challenges and Strategic Alignment
- India faces challenges like rapidly rising demand, high import dependence, concentrated global supply chains, long development timelines, and increasing environmental and social performance expectations.
- Supply security relies on aligning demand growth, domestic capacity creation, international engagement, innovation, and governance.
Technology and Demand Analysis
- Assess mineral requirements using technology-specific deployment trajectories (e.g., solar, wind, battery storage, EV sales).
- Consider the potential for circularity and R&D readiness in processing/recycling.
Challenges in Domestic Resource Utilization
- Even with existing resources like copper and graphite, bottlenecks in exploration, operationalization, refining, and recycling slow value chain development.
- Private participation is limited by commercial risk and permitting frictions.
