New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) The Centre is moving ahead with plans to set up four critical mineral processing plants in Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana, and Maharashtra as part of the country’s strategy to enhance domestic capabilities in producing these key materials required for making semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar panels, hi-tech electronic goods and defence equipment.

Speaking on the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy noted that the Centre has prepared separate mining blocks for critical minerals and undertaken large-scale auctions for the first time since independence.

The minister said a significant number of critical mineral blocks have already been auctioned, marking a major step in building India’s domestic supply chain.

He indicated that the projects are expected to accelerate India’s processing and refining capabilities in critical minerals, an area where the country has historically remained heavily dependent on imports from China.

Reddy said the government has also signed multiple memoranda of understanding with various countries to strengthen international cooperation and secure supply chains for critical minerals.

As part of the next phase of the mission, the Centre has already initiated the process to establish four processing plants across Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The respective state governments have already allotted land for the proposed facilities, while state administrations are also preparing dedicated action plans to support the initiative.

He added that the government expects visible progress and positive outcomes in the critical minerals sector within the next year as auctions, processing infrastructure, and international partnerships begin translating into operational capacity.

India, which holds the world’s fifth-largest rare earth reserves and the required technology to produce these minerals, can play a crucial role in breaking China’s near-monopoly on these critical minerals.

The global race for rare earth elements (REEs) has shifted from the margins of industrial policy to the centre of geopolitics. China currently accounts for roughly 90 per cent of rare earth separation and processing, and 93 per cent of magnet manufacturing. This near monopoly has enabled China to use rare earth exports as a strategic leverage.

India also remains heavily dependent on China for 80-90 per cent of its magnets and related materials. This vulnerability became clear when China tightened exports during a trade dispute, resuming supply only after India provided end-user guarantees that the materials would not be re-exported to the United States.

–IANS

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