Projects from mining to circular economy efforts receive support.
India’s Union Cabinet, the country’s highest decision-making body, approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) on Wednesday. This government initiative, backed by nearly $2 billion in funding, focuses on the exploration and processing of critical raw materials. It covers all stages of the value chain—from identifying deposits to processing and recycling—both domestically and internationally.
Initially announced in the summer of 2024, the seven-year NCMM is part of India’s broader strategy to secure global resources for its rapidly growing economy. The Ministry of Mines, which leads the initiative, highlights the geographical concentration of key resource extraction and the growing geopolitical tensions threatening supply chains. A total of 24 critical elements and minerals—ranging from beryllium and indium to rare earths and zircon—have been identified as particularly vital.
Beyond state-led efforts, the Indian government is also encouraging private-sector investments and promoting the stockpiling of critical raw materials to enhance supply security.
Photo: Cyclonphoto via Canva
