India has taken significant steps to improve its mineral and rare earth sector by becoming a member of the Mineral Security Partnership and compiling a list of 30 critical minerals. These developments aim to ensure responsible production and meet economic needs. However, India needs to take further measures to cultivate sustainable self-reliance in the sector and enhance its resilience and long-term viability.
To achieve self-reliance in critical minerals, India needs to focus on:
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the country’s mineral deposits, rare earth element reserves, and critical mineral resources
- Substantial investment in research and development initiatives
- Bolstering the educational infrastructure by promoting specialized courses and degree programs in metallurgy, minerals, and related fields
- Establishing training centers and apprenticeship programs to nurture a skilled workforce
- Prioritizing the establishment of prestigious metallurgy engineering institutes in India to bridge the gap and cultivate excellence in the field
India lacks any metallurgy engineering institute among the top 50, while China and the US boast 16 and 13 institutes, respectively. The absence of expertise in metallurgy sciences hampers the development of a knowledge base for critical industries.
The role of metallurgical engineering in India’s critical minerals sector cannot be overstated. It plays a pivotal role in various aspects, ranging from extraction and processing to refining and utilisation of critical minerals. Highly trained metallurgical engineers contribute to efficient mineral extraction, mineral beneficiation, metallurgical processing, process optimisation, alloy development, recycling, quality control, technological advancements, and sustainable mining operations.
To strengthen India’s position in the critical minerals sector, it is important to:
- Establish a comprehensive infrastructure supporting the entire value chain of metallurgy and mineral industries, including efficient transportation networks, modern mining facilities, and processing and refining plants.
- Diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a single market by cultivating strong trade relationships with other countries.
- Create an investor-friendly environment to attract foreign direct investment in the mineral and metallurgy sectors, such as through incentives like Production Linked Incentives (PLI) and streamlined regulations.
- Develop a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework that supports the growth of the metallurgy and mineral sectors and promotes sustainable and responsible mining practices.
- Foster a business ecosystem that encourages adherence to international standards and certifications to enhance India’s reputation as a reliable player and business partner in the global market.