India, the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 – a goal that hinges on the assured supply of critical minerals. Hence in June 2023, India's Ministry of Mines approved a list of 30 critical minerals. These include minerals such as lithium and graphite which are used in electric vehicle batteries.
While India reportedly has the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth elements (around 6 per cent), the country is entirely reliant on imports for many critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and germanium that go into the manufacturing of items such as solar cells, semiconductors and batteries.
These minerals are on the list, along with others such as beryllium, phosphorus and indium, which have applications in many sectors, including high-tech electronics, agriculture and defence.
The full list can be found in the Critical Minerals for India Report published by the Ministry of Mines, India. (See page 32)
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