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Context:

The Ministry of Mines in 2023 identified 30 critical minerals essential for the nation’s economic development and national security.

What are Critical Minerals?

Critical minerals are used frequently in high-tech sectors and renewable energy technologies. They are rare, hard to mine and replace and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions because of their limited worldwide production. The shift to green energy and technological advancement has led to an increase in demand for these minerals. Ensuring a steady supply of vital minerals is a top priority for many countries.

Dominance of China:

China has found 173 types of
13 minerals 60 metallic
95 non-metallic
China discovered 132 new mineral deposits, including 34 large ones. Dominates processing and refining: 85% of the earth's minerals are rare
The amount of lithium is 42%. The percentage of Silicon is 68%.
Global Investments have strategic stakes in overseas mining

China's Control on Critical Minerals
2010 Rare Earth Embargo	China imposed an embargo against Japan highlighting control over rare earth elements crucial for technology.
Restrictions on Gallium, Germanium and Antimony	China has recently restricted the export of these minerals impacting industries dependent on them.
Ban on Rare Earth Technologies (2023)	China imposed restrictions to protect its domestic interests limiting access to critical rare earth technologies.
China's Strategic Considerations
Avoiding Disruption of Export-Dependent Industries	China avoids measures that could harm its own industries reliant on exports.
Avoiding Undermining Dependence on Western Imports	China also takes care not to disrupt its reliance on raw materials imported from Western nations.
India’s Dependency on China:
Critical Minerals Dependent on China
Bismuth (85.6%)	Vital for pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Lithium (82%)	Core component for EV batteries and energy storage.
Silicon (76%)	Crucial for semiconductors and solar panels.
Titanium (50.6%)	Key for aerospace and defense applications.
Tellurium (48.8%)	Used in solar and thermoelectric devices.
Graphite (42.4%)	Indispensable for EV batteries and steel production.
China's Dominance in Mineral Production	China holds a dominant global share in the production of these critical minerals, making India vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Why India Relies on Imports?
Technological Barriers	Limited ability to extract minerals like lithium from clay deposits, despite having substantial resources (e.g., 5.9 million tonnes in Jammu & Kashmir).
Investment Gaps	High-risk perception deters private sector investment in exploration and mining.
Policy Shortcomings	Lack of incentives and advanced mining technologies limits the development of domestic production capabilities.
Way Forward
Securing Overseas Assets	India established KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) to acquire overseas mineral resources.
International Collaborations	India is partnering with global initiatives like the Minerals Security Partnership and Critical Raw Materials Club to diversify supply sources.
Research and Development	Institutions such as the Geological Survey of India and CSIR are advancing exploration and processing technologies.
Promoting Recycling	Focus on circular economy initiatives and production-linked incentives to promote recycling of critical minerals to reduce dependency.
Policy Reforms	Proposals to introduce incentives for private investment and update mining regulations to encourage domestic exploration.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Critical minerals play a crucial role in the advancement of emerging technologies and energy transitions. Highlight the challenges faced by India in securing a stable supply of these minerals and suggest measures to mitigate these challenges. (250 words).