While global competition for critical minerals intensifies, India has lagged in developing a resilient supply chain. Analyze the role of National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in strengthening India’s critical mineral security.

Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)

Q2. While global competition for critical minerals intensifies, India has lagged in developing a resilient supply chain. Analyze the role of National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in strengthening India’s critical mineral security. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question:
The government approved a ₹16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, envisaging a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore spread over seven years, with an aim to achieve self-reliance and accelerate India’s journey towards green energy transition

Key Demand of the Question:
The answer must analyze India’s failure in developing a resilient critical mineral supply chain and then evaluate how NCMM strengthens India’s mineral security through various policy measures.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:
Briefly highlight the growing global competition for critical minerals and India’s reliance on imports, emphasizing the need for a self-reliant supply chain.

Body:

• Rising global competition for critical minerals: Discuss how countries are securing mineral resources through exploration, trade policies, and strategic partnerships.
• India’s weaknesses in critical mineral supply chain: Explain India’s dependency on imports, lack of domestic processing, slow exploration, and regulatory hurdles.
• Role of NCMM in addressing these challenges: Highlight key interventions such as boosting domestic exploration, acquiring global mineral assets, promoting mineral processing, and stockpiling.

Conclusion:
Summarize how NCMM is a crucial step toward securing India’s mineral future while also aligning with long-term goals of green energy and industrial self-reliance.