India, UK Launch Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory to Strengthen Resource Security

New Delhi, June 5 (KNN) The Government of India and the United Kingdom have launched the India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO), a joint platform aimed at enhancing monitoring and analysis of global critical mineral supply chains.

The initiative was inaugurated in New Delhi by Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

The observatory is expected to support data-driven assessment of critical mineral markets, supply risks, disruptions and emerging trends that are increasingly important for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility and other strategic industries.

Developed jointly by TEXMiN, the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, and the University of Cambridge, the platform will provide supply chain intelligence and market insights to support policymakers, industry stakeholders and researchers.

The project was first announced during India–UK bilateral engagements in October 2025 and was formalised through a research collaboration agreement signed in March 2026.

According to the Ministry of Mines, the observatory will contribute to India's efforts to strengthen critical mineral security and support the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

 It is also expected to facilitate risk assessment and improve understanding of global supply chain dynamics for minerals considered essential to future industrial and energy transitions.

An interactive demonstration of the platform was presented during the launch event, showcasing its capabilities in tracking supply chain developments, identifying potential disruptions and generating market intelligence for decision-making.

The event was attended by officials from both governments, representatives of academic and research institutions, and industry stakeholders from India and the UK.

(KNN Bureau)