The National Critical Mineral Mission plays a crucial role in establishing a framework for the mining and utilization of 24 essential critical minerals. These minerals are vital for sectors such as renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, and defence. The mission aims to create a self-reliant supply chain that will enhance India's green energy initiatives and contribute to a low-carbon economy.
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are indispensable for modern industries. For instance, lithium is a key component in battery cells used for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage. The importance of these minerals cannot be overstated, as they drive innovation and sustainability across various sectors.
The National Critical Mineral Mission has a total investment plan of ₹34,300 crore. This includes ₹16,300 crore allocated by the government and an additional ₹18,000 crore expected from both state-owned and private entities. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure mineral supply chain.
To ensure access to critical minerals, India is actively acquiring mineral assets abroad, including a significant lithium mine in Argentina. The government is also fast-tracking regulatory approvals to enhance domestic exploration, mineral processing, and recycling efforts. Such initiatives are pivotal in securing a reliable supply of these essential resources.
The mission aligns seamlessly with India's objectives of becoming self-reliant and achieving energy transition. It supports low-carbon growth and aims to boost economic development through research and advanced technologies. This vision is essential for promoting sustainability and economic resilience.
Several key sectors stand to benefit from this mission. These include electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence, aerospace, and electronics. For example, nickel and cobalt are critical for EV batteries, while titanium is a vital material in aircraft components, emphasizing the mission's broad industrial impact.
The mission is supported by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which was amended in 2023. This amendment facilitates exploration, mining, and trade of critical minerals, ensuring a robust legal foundation for the mission's objectives.
The primary objectives of the mission include:
As the mission unfolds, it is expected to transform challenges into opportunities, solidifying India's position in the global mineral landscape.
Q1. What is the National Critical Mineral Mission?
Answer: The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to create a framework for mining and utilizing 24 critical minerals essential for sectors like renewable energy and defence.
Q2. Why are critical minerals important?
Answer: Critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, are vital for EVs, renewable energy, and electronics, driving innovation in these industries.
Q3. What is the investment for this mission?
Answer: The mission has a total investment of ₹34,300 crore, with funds coming from both government and private sectors to enhance mineral security.
Q4. How is India securing critical minerals?
Answer: India is acquiring assets abroad and fast-tracking regulatory approvals to enhance domestic exploration and processing of critical minerals.
Q5. What sectors will benefit from the National Critical Mineral Mission?
Answer: Key sectors include electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence, and aerospace, with critical minerals being essential for their development.
Question 1: What is the main goal of the National Critical Mineral Mission?
A) To enhance tourism in India
B) To establish a framework for critical minerals
C) To privatize mining operations
D) To reduce electricity consumption
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which mineral is crucial for electric vehicle batteries?
A) Gold
B) Silver
C) Lithium
D) Iron
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: How much investment is allocated by the government for this mission?
A) ₹10,000 crore
B) ₹16,300 crore
C) ₹34,300 crore
D) ₹50,000 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which act was amended to support the National Critical Mineral Mission?
A) The Environment Protection Act
B) The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act
C) The Energy Conservation Act
D) The Companies Act
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is one of the objectives of the mission?
A) To promote fossil fuel usage
B) To achieve self-reliance in mineral processing
C) To ban mining activities
D) To decrease renewable energy production
Correct Answer: B
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