Context: India, U.K. launch observatory for critical minerals
India and the United Kingdom launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, improve supply-chain resilience and support clean energy and advanced technology sectors.
Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory
Partners
- Technology Innovation in Exploration and Mining Foundation, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India
- University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Functions
- Supply-chain monitoring
- Risk assessment
- Data analytics
- Technology cooperation
- Strategic policy support
Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Critical Minerals
- Strategic minerals essential for economic and national security.
- Used in Electric Vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage and telecommunications.
- India has identified 30 Critical Minerals.
Rare Earth Elements
- Group of 17 elements.
- Includes 15 Lanthanides, Scandium and Yttrium.
- Used in permanent magnets, electric motors, robotics, missiles, radars, fighter aircraft, satellites and advanced electronics.
National Critical Mineral Mission
- Launched: 2025
- Ministry: Ministry of Mines
Objective
- Secure critical mineral supply chains and achieve mineral self-reliance.
Focus Areas
- Exploration
- Mining
- Overseas acquisitions
- Processing and refining
- Recycling
- Strategic stockpiles
- Research and technology
