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Chandigarh: The race to secure critical minerals—vital for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and national security—has intensified globally as nations work to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, believes India is uniquely positioned to emerge as a global leader in this strategic sector.
In a recent social media post, Agarwal observed that “From Australia to the US, governments are actively supporting the production of critical minerals. The race to reduce China’s domination in this sector is underway.” His remarks align with a growing international consensus that securing reliable sources of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and graphite is essential for economic resilience and technological leadership.
India’s Geological Advantage
India’s diverse and resource-rich geology makes it a potential powerhouse in critical mineral production. From the lithium deposits recently identified in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan to reserves of rare earth elements in coastal states, the country’s mineral wealth spans multiple regions and resource types. According to industry experts, India’s mineral reserves, if properly mapped and developed, could substantially reduce the need for imports and position the country as an exporter to global markets.
“India, with its rich geology, has all the potential to be a leader,” Agarwal emphasized, noting that the opportunity lies in combining natural endowment with proactive policy frameworks and private-sector dynamism.
Global Push for Supply Chain Diversification
The global push for critical minerals is driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy solutions like wind and solar, and emerging technologies including semiconductors and advanced electronics. China currently controls a large share of mining, refining, and processing capacity for these minerals, which has raised geopolitical and economic concerns in several countries.
To counterbalance this dominance, nations such as Australia, the US, and Canada have rolled out incentives, subsidies, and partnerships aimed at boosting local production and building secure global supply chains. India’s participation in this reshaping of the mineral economy is seen as essential, not only for its own growth but also for strengthening strategic alliances.
Policy and Industry Collaboration
Experts stress that India’s success in the critical minerals sector will depend on a coordinated approach involving the government, private enterprises, and research institutions. This includes:
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Policy Incentives: Streamlined mining approvals, tax incentives, and export facilitation to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
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Technological Development: Investment in refining and processing capabilities to move up the value chain rather than relying solely on raw material exports.
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Sustainable Mining Practices: Ensuring environmental safeguards, community participation, and adherence to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.
The Government of India has already announced its Critical Minerals List and initiated exploration projects under the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Moreover, the Ministry of Mines is exploring partnerships with resource-rich countries for joint ventures, technology transfer, and skill development.
Vedanta’s Role in the Sector
As one of India’s largest natural resources companies, Vedanta is positioning itself to play a key role in the extraction, processing, and commercialization of critical minerals. The group has previously expressed interest in lithium, cobalt, and nickel projects, which are essential for battery manufacturing—a sector poised for exponential growth given India’s electric mobility targets.
While Agarwal did not detail specific Vedanta initiatives in his post, industry insiders note that the company is already exploring partnerships with global players and expanding its exploration portfolio to include critical minerals alongside its traditional focus on metals like aluminum, zinc, and copper.
Strategic Importance for India
Developing domestic capacity in critical minerals is not merely an economic opportunity—it is a strategic necessity. Secure access to these materials will support India’s ambitions in electric mobility, renewable power generation, defense manufacturing, and electronics production. Additionally, it will enhance energy security and reduce exposure to supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions.
With the global market for critical minerals expected to grow several-fold over the next two decades, early movers stand to gain significant competitive advantages. India’s potential to be a “trusted, long-term supplier” could make it an integral part of the global energy transition and technological innovation ecosystem.
The Road Ahead
To capitalize on this potential, India will need to:
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Expand geological surveys to identify and quantify mineral reserves.
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Build refining and processing infrastructure at scale.
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Foster public-private partnerships to accelerate project timelines.
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Integrate sustainability and community welfare into mining operations.
As the world redefines its mineral supply chains, Anil Agarwal’s message is clear: India has both the resources and the opportunity to lead. With strategic vision, policy alignment, and industrial execution, the country could emerge not just as a participant but as a dominant force in the global critical minerals sector.
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