CRITICAL MINERALS
India in talks with African and Latin American countries for critical mineral blocks, says official
"We are having lots of discussions with many other resource-rich countries both in Africa as well as in Latin America for getting a block on a G2G basis or on a priority basis", the joint secretary said.
India, Australia look at increasing cooperation in critical minerals, processing
Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential components in many of today's rapidly growing clean energy technologies - from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles.
US, Japan, South Korea vow strategic cooperation to boost security, economies
Commerce and trade ministers from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea agreed to cooperate on AI safety, export controls, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of collaboration for global security. Japanese Minister Ken Saito and South Korean Minister Ahn Duk-geun also attended the inaugural meeting, initiated at a Camp David summit. The ministers aim to strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in semiconductors and critical minerals, and enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and technical standards to counter China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.
Only a third of critical mineral blocks find buyers
A company which offers to share the highest percentage of its revenue earned through sale of extracted minerals with the state governments - called the auction premium - wins the bid.
Maiki South Mining secures India's first Lithium and REE blocks of Chhattisgarh with FPO of 76.05%
On Monday, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy granted the first Lithium block, Katghora, and the Rare Earth Element (REE) Block of Chhattisgarh to Maiki South Mining Private Limited, with a Final Percentage Ownership (FPO) of 76.05%. India currently depends significantly on imports to fulfill its demand for crucial minerals such as Lithium, Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements (REE). These minerals are essential for emerging technologies like electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and defense manufacturing.
India cancels 14 out of 18 critical mineral block auctions launched in second tranche, notice shows
India has canceled the auction for 14 critical mineral blocks, part of a $362 billion initiative launched in February to promote clean energy transition. The cancellation was due to lack of bids received for blocks containing minerals like vanadium, graphite, and cobalt.
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Govt to launch fourth tranche of auction for critical and strategic mineral blocks on Monday
The Ministry of Mines will launch the 4th tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks on Monday in New Delhi. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey will inaugurate the event. The launch follows amendments to the MMDR Act, allowing the Central Government to issue mineral concessions for 24 critical minerals. The event will announce the preferred bidders of the 1st tranche, present certificates to Notified Private Exploration Agencies, and introduce a scheme for partial reimbursement of exploration expenses.
First critical mineral block auctions winners to be announced on Monday
The winners of six critical mineral blocks, including the highly contested Katghora block, will be announced on Monday. Among them is India's first lithium and rare earth element (REE) mine. The first round of auctions, launched on November 23 last year with 20 mines, saw bids for phosphorite, fertiliser minerals, and more. The lithium block in Chhattisgarh received significant attention with over 10 bids, while graphite mines attracted 4-5 bidders per block.
Coal India exploring lithium assets in Argentina with U.S. company
Coal India Ltd, in collaboration with a U.S. firm, is exploring lithium blocks in Argentina to secure battery material supplies under the U.S.-led Minerals Security Partnership. This initiative aims to diversify critical minerals supply chains and reduce dependency on China, with preliminary studies currently underway.
India, US agree to step up cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals
India and the US have deepened their cooperation on supply chain, semiconductors, and critical minerals during the iCET meeting in New Delhi. They launched a new strategic semiconductor partnership to co-develop processes for precision-guided ammunition. The partnership also aims to build India's semiconductor and ICT ecosystem. Additionally, they agreed to work together on ensuring a reliable supply of critical minerals, including co-investing in lithium and rare earths projects. Both countries are also establishing an Advanced Materials R&D Forum and exploring collaborations in technologies for critical minerals.
Jharkhand govt contemplates to waive farm loan up to Rs 2 lakh: CM Champai Soren
"We waived Rs 40,000 farmers' loan in the past and are planning to increase it to Rs 2 lakh. Similarly, the current base of 125 unit free electricity will be increased to 200 units," Soren said while addressing a meeting at Gandhi Maidan in Jamshedpur to inaugurate and lay foundation of development projects.
Answer to India’s critical minerals requirement lie in India’s extended neighbourhood
India is exploring critical minerals in Latin America for EVs, but a solution may be closer in Kazakhstan. The country has reserves of critical minerals that can support India's clean energy goals.
Commerce dept mulls trade pact talks SOP, chapter on critical minerals in Chintan Shivir
The government in New Delhi is focusing on critical minerals in FTAs, data adequacy issues, and challenges in e-commerce. SOP for trade pacts, real-time negotiation challenges, and data sovereignty issues were discussed by the commerce ministry.
Commerce ministry working on standard operating procedure for FTA negotiation
The commerce ministry recently conducted a 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan's Neemrana to discuss issues related to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The event included deliberations on standard operating procedures (SoPs) for FTA negotiations, capacity building, and addressing contemporary issues like labor, environment, and gender. Participants emphasised the importance of economic assessment, digital trade challenges, and interdisciplinary support for successful negotiations. They highlighted the need for expertise in law, economics, data analytics, and industry-specific knowledge.
Hindalco in process of bidding for two nickel, cobalt mines in Maharashtra, Karnataka: MD
Key minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are crucial elements in numerous rapidly expanding clean energy technologies, ranging from wind turbines and electrical grids to electric vehicles.
India in talks with Sri Lanka to acquire graphite mine block
Sri Lankan graphite is considered among the purest in the world with more than 98% carbon content, said officials. India has also been in talks with other countries for procuring other critical minerals. "Agreements have been signed with the Democratic Republic of the Congo for cobalt and copper, Tanzania for niobium and graphite and South Africa for graphite and titanium," another official said.
No benefits likely from 38 critical blocks put on sale in this decade: Icra
Icra reported that benefits from the 38 critical mineral blocks on sale may not materialize by 2030 due to incomplete exploration. India's downstream manufacturing could face supply shocks. The government is auctioning lithium blocks in J&K and Chhattisgarh, with challenges in extracting lithium from clay deposits. Overseas acquisitions are also being considered.
US on track to establish domestic rare earths supply chain for defence, official says
The US is on track to establish a domestic rare earths supply chain to meet its defense needs by 2027, according to a senior defence official. The US has been driving the build-out of a global supply chain for rare earths, metals used in magnets for green energy industries and defense, beyond dominant producer China since COVID upended global supply chains early this decade. Australia is classified as a domestic source of supply for critical minerals for the US under the Defense Production Act, and the US has been offering funding opportunities to Australian mine developers.
India on mission to become world's leading producer of critical minerals: Hindustan Zinc Chairperson
India aims to lead in sustainable critical mineral production, per Hindustan Zinc's Chairperson Priya Agarwal Hebbar. These minerals, including cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earths, are crucial for clean energy technologies such as wind turbines and electric cars.
International Energy Agency warns of key energy mineral shortage risk
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported a sharp drop in prices for minerals essential for the green energy transition, indicating a shortage due to inadequate investment. The agency noted that prices for minerals key for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels fell back to pre-pandemic levels as supplies caught up with and surpassed demand. The IEA expressed concern that this may deter investment needed to meet demand, which is set to soar as many nations phase out sales of new internal combustion engine cars in the next decade.
Coal India, NMDC, OVL look to secure critical mineral assets abroad
CIL, NMDC, OVL, and KABIL are collaborating to secure critical minerals overseas, focusing on lithium for EV batteries. India defines 30 critical minerals to meet energy transition goals for various sectors.
Coal India, NMDC exploring lithium mines overseas
State-run miners Coal India and NMDC are venturing into lithium mines in Chile and Australia, aiming to secure critical minerals. India's Mines Ministry encourages state-owned firms like ONGC Videsh to explore overseas. Delegations will visit Zambia and Congo for joint exploration. India eyes trade pacts for access to critical minerals globally, including with Chile and Mongolia.
India considers incentives for lithium processing
India is contemplating providing incentives to private companies to establish lithium processing facilities in an effort to develop its lithium mining sector and bolster the supply of the EV battery metal. Under a new critical minerals policy being formulated by the mines ministry, incentives would be offered to companies to set up lithium processing plants, covering aspects from exploration to mining to value addition. While the exact form of incentives is yet to be determined, the government aims to draw inspiration from countries like Australia and Canada.
Anil Agarwal likens critical minerals to gold, says India should ensure self-sufficiency
The chairman of the natural resources conglomerate Vedanta said that not only are these minerals fundamental for new age technologies, they are also green metals.
New policy to promote critical minerals in works: Mines Secy
India relies heavily on imports for meeting its requirement for critical minerals such as lithium, niobium and rare earth elements. These minerals find application in new-age technologies such as those used in electric vehicles. pharmaceuticals and defence manufacturing. Mineral mining in the country is currently governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Since critical minerals require more expertise and have traditionally not been explored or extracted in the country, the government is of the view that an enhanced support framework is required to encourage it, according to officials.
India will become leader in offshore mining: Official
Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao in his address on Monday had said that the auction of offshore mines will begin in three months' time. The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 has been amended to provide an auction route for awarding production leases for offshore minerals.
Mines Ministry inks MoU with Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation for knowledge support on critical minerals
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the two-day 'Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities' event that commenced at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on Monday.
Around 20 critical mineral blocks to be put on sale by June-end: Mines Secretary
The Indian government plans to auction around 20 critical mineral blocks by June end to meet growing demand for minerals like copper, lithium, and nickel in clean energy technologies. Over 100 blocks are available for auction due to increased exploration efforts. The ministry aims to start offshore mine auctions in three months.
India reaches out to critical mineral producers for processing technology
According to a Niti Aayog estimate, India's advanced chemistry cell manufacturing industry annually needs 193 thousand tons of cathode active material to produce 100 GW hour annum of batteries by 2030. Critical minerals and their active materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) account for approximately 33%-48% of the overall pack cost.
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