G Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal & Mines, Government of India, has called for a decisive shift from resource dependency to value creation in critical minerals, highlighting India’s ambition to emerge as a key player in the global minerals landscape. 

 

“India is positioning itself as an attractive destination in the global critical minerals landscape to secure its strategic and economic future,” he said.

 

Addressing the second edition of ‘Indian Critical Minerals Landscape: Foundation for a Sustainable Future - Empowering Innovation, Growth & Self-Reliance’, organized by FICCI in partnership with the Ministry of Mines, Reddy noted that India currently depends on imports for 95% of its critical minerals. He stressed the urgency of building a self-reliant ecosystem covering exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and advanced manufacturing.

 

The government is pushing reforms at “Reform Express” speed to reduce import dependence and boost domestic production. “Central government along with state governments, and all stakeholders, are committed to working in unity to accelerate reforms in the critical minerals sector,” Reddy emphasized.

 

To drive innovation, nine Centers of Excellence have been identified to strengthen R&D and skill development. Work has also begun under the National Critical Minerals Mission with an outlay of Rs 32,000 crore. 

 

“Over 4,000 critical mineral exploration activities have already been initiated across the country. We are strengthening the entire value chain, from exploration to advanced processing, to ensure India converts its resource potential into strategic advantage,” he added.

 

The Minister urged industry stakeholders to invest in advanced technologies, urban mining, recycling, and global asset acquisition. He highlighted government support through import duty exemptions for raw materials and the National Mineral Exploration Trust.

 

Production of permanent magnets is slated to begin by year-end under a PLI scheme of Rs 7,280 crore, and four states — Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat — have been selected for Critical Minerals Processing Units to boost domestic value addition. Additionally, 143 coal mines are earmarked for closure and resource optimization by 2028.

 

On international collaboration, Reddy said India is strengthening global partnerships for overseas asset acquisition, reflecting growing global confidence in India’s mineral strategy.

 

Ed Jager, Minister (Commercial), High Commission of Canada in India, underlined the importance of global partnerships: “Critical minerals are now strategic assets shaping the global economy. Canada intends to be a stable and responsible partner for India as we deepen cooperation across exploration, processing and resilient supply chains.”

 

Industry leaders also weighed in. Kishore S, Senior Member, FICCI Taskforce on Critical Minerals, and COO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd, said, “Critical minerals have moved from the periphery to the core of India’s national strategy. The reforms under the National Critical Minerals Mission and transparent auction mechanisms send a strong signal of India’s long-term commitment. Industry stands ready to partner with the government to build an integrated and globally competitive ecosystem.”

 

Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI, highlighted minerals’ role in India’s industrial future: “As we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the role of natural resources, particularly critical mineral has becoming increasingly important to serve the manufacturing and downstream industries which is aligned with the principle of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

 

Pankaj Satija, Co-Chair, FICCI Mining Committee and Executive Vice President, JSW Group, added, “This is not just a policy moment but a mission moment. Industry must work in ‘Sankalp mode’ alongside the government to build domestic value chains across exploration, processing and recycling, ensuring India’s long-term mineral security.”

 

During the summit, the Minister unveiled the FICCI Portal on Global Critical Minerals Assets, a platform providing data on global mineral blocks, exploration status, ownership, and resource estimates. The FICCI-Deloitte Report on Critical Minerals, featuring policy recommendations and strategic pathways for strengthening India’s critical minerals ecosystem, was also released.

 

The summit drew strong participation from industry leaders, global partners, and policymakers, focusing on accelerating domestic exploration, strengthening processing capabilities, leveraging advanced technologies including AI, building innovative financing models, and forging resilient international partnerships to secure India’s critical mineral supply chains.