Public-Private Push Key To Boost Critical Minerals Self-Reliance: NITI Aayog Panel

New Delhi, Feb 27 (KNN) The National Critical and Strategic Minerals Committee, constituted by NITI Aayog, on Thursday called for coordinated action by public and private mining firms to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.

The panel stressed faster exploration, enhanced research and development, and strategic partnerships to unlock the country’s untapped mineral potential, PTI reported, citing a press release.

Focus on Supply Gaps and Policy Support

Discussions covered the demand-supply scenario, exploration opportunities across states, technological needs, policy support, and the role of government agencies and mining companies, PTI reported.

Members highlighted the importance of minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt, and nickel for renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics, defence, and advanced manufacturing. 

While India holds reserves of some of these minerals, limited exploration and mining have led to continued import dependence. 

"With demand expected to rise sharply in the coming years, the committee called for a coordinated national effort involving both public and private sector mining companies," the release said.

Industry Initiatives and Next Steps

Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited, outlined efforts to extract rare earth elements from overburden and clays at opencast coal mines. 

He said valuable minerals are also being recovered from fly ash and bottom ash at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant.

R Saravanabhavan, Deputy Advisor (Minerals) at NITI Aayog and Member Secretary of the committee, said a time-bound plan will be followed to finalise and submit the panel’s report. 

The next meeting will be held next month at NLC India Limited, the release added.

(KNN Bureau)