India is endowed with 95 minerals, making it a mineral-rich country; however, it has not yet established a significant footprint in the critical minerals sector. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, graphite, and others are essential for emerging technologies, clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. India is heavily dependent on imports for these critical minerals, facing about 100% import dependence for many including rare earths and lithium.

Recognizing this strategic vulnerability, the Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025, with an outlay of approximately Rs. 34,300 crores over seven years (2024-31). The Mission aims to promote extensive exploration, domestic production, sustainable mining, and recycling of critical minerals to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains. The NCMM includes:

• Fast-tracking exploration projects conducted by the Geological Survey of India and other stakeholders.
• Incentive schemes (approved Rs. 1,500 crore) to boost recycling capacity of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths.
• Promotion of private sector participation and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets.
• Launching auctions for offshore mineral blocks such as polymetallic nodules.
• Legal and regulatory reforms under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, including prioritizing critical minerals mining under national security.
• Encouraging sustainable mining and addressing environmental and social concerns through updated regulatory frameworks.

Despite having a rich mineral base, India currently lags in critical mineral extraction and processing capabilities. The government is focusing on building an integrated ecosystem encompassing exploration, beneficiation, processing, and recycling of these minerals, aiming to ensure self-reliance and strategic autonomy, especially critical for India’s clean energy and green technology ambitions. The country is also investing in developing rare earth elements, currently dominated by China, to become a credible alternative global supplier.

 IISc''s Role

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is playing a pivotal role in advancing India''s position in critical minerals crucial for future technologies.

IISc''s Legacy and Innovations

• • Legacy in Mineral Technology: IISc has developed 57 flow-sheets for various minerals and successfully translated basic research into industry-scale solutions.
  • Bioprocessing Innovations: Demonstrated bioreactor technology has significantly improved gold and silver recoveries from 40% to over 90%.
  • Unique Contributions: Prof. Brahm Prakash''s work on hafnium–zirconium separation has prominently supported India''s atomic energy programs.

Collaborations and Future Goals

• • Partnerships: Collaborating with the Ministry of Mines and ANRF to advance the Critical Minerals Mission.
  • Translational Research: Focus on aligning foundational science with industry needs to achieve national mission goals.
  • Centre of Excellence Potential: Suggested as a key player in the National Critical Minerals Mission.

Government and Institutional Support

• • Secretary''s Address: Piyush Goyal emphasized IISc’s potential to lead in refining technologies for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths.
  • Talent Development: IISc will train future material scientists and engineers, ensuring a robust talent pipeline.
  • R&D Coordination: Expected to coordinate research networks across various institutions to foster innovation and promote a circular economy.

Commitments and Future Plans

• • Administrative Cooperation: Commitment to overcome procedural barriers for seamless partnerships.
  • Upcoming Meetings: Plans for a focused meeting in Bangalore to showcase progress and deepen collaboration.

While India has vast mineral resources, including critical minerals, it is in the early stages of creating a footprint in the sector. The comprehensive National Critical Mineral Mission and associated policy reforms represent strategic steps toward securing sustainable and self-reliant critical minerals supply chain, thereby supporting India’s energy security and industrial growth goals.