India’s Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao announced that India is exploring mining opportunities for critical minerals such as lithium in Zambia, Congo, and Australia. The Zambian government has granted exploration rights for cobalt and copper, while efforts in Jammu and Kashmir have identified lithium deposits. The Indian government has allocated ₹63 billion to develop its critical minerals sector to reduce reliance on imports and support energy transition technologies.
India is actively pursuing the mining of critical minerals in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia as part of its strategy to secure essential raw materials such as lithium. Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao announced that companies like Coal India, NMDC, and ONGC Videsh are involved in these efforts. This initiative is a part of India’s larger objective to diminish its dependence on imported minerals pivotal for energy transition technologies.
To further its objectives, the Zambian government has granted India the exploration rights to 9,000 square kilometers for cobalt and copper mining. Additionally, Rao indicated that India is also considering opportunities in Congo and Tanzania for the extraction of critical minerals. Meanwhile, India has acknowledged its own lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, with detailed evaluations expected by May 2025.
In February 2023, initial lithium deposits were discovered in Jammu and Kashmir, estimated to hold around 5.9 million metric tons. Despite this significant find, the government has encountered challenges in attracting bids for mining rights in the state. Earlier in 2023, India identified over 20 minerals, including lithium, as essential for energy transition and meeting industrial demands.
To bolster the critical minerals sector, New Delhi granted approval in January 2025 to allocate ₹63 billion (approximately $1.88 billion). This substantial investment underscores the nation’s commitment to developing its domestic mining capabilities and enhancing its strategic reserves of vital minerals.
India’s commitment to exploring and developing its critical mineral resources in Zambia, Congo, and Australia is pivotal for its energy transition goals. The emphasis on reducing import dependency and the identification of lithium as a critical resource highlight the strategic importance of these initiatives. Furthermore, domestic efforts in Jammu and Kashmir reflect India’s determination to strengthen its critical mineral sector and support sustainable industrial growth.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
