Critical Minerals Push: NCMM, Auctions and Mine Tailings
Why in the news
India is stepping up critical mineral mining and auctions under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to reduce import reliance.
Key facts
- NCMM: linked to ₹16,300 crore; more blocks to be auctioned before 2031.
- Auctions so far: 24 blocks.
- Public investment: ₹18,000 crore proposed.
- PPPs are needed to speed up exploration and extraction.
- Mine waste and tailings will be tapped as a secondary source of critical minerals.
Reserves
| Mineral | Reserve | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium | 12.3 million tonnes | EV batteries, renewable storage |
| Nickel | 189-194 million tonnes | Stainless steel, batteries |
| Cobalt | 45 million tonnes | Lithium-ion batteries |
| Graphite | 211-244 million tonnes | Electrodes, energy storage |
| Rare earths | 230 million tonnes | Defence, electronics |
Challenges
- Few high-quality reserves of cobalt, niobium, germanium and rhenium.
- Thin exploration data: of 49 EMR blocks, 24 are unauctioned.
- Deep deposits are costly and unviable with existing technology.
Way forward
- More aggressive auctions backed by better exploration data.
- Advanced mining technology for deep deposits.
- Global partnerships for supply and refining.
- A strong critical mineral value chain for EV, renewable energy and defence.
Exam angle
- Mission: NCMM.
- Tailings link to sustainable mining and the circular economy.
- REE = rare earth elements.