Securing India’s Future: National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)
- vidyarthee2021
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
India’s push for self-reliance in strategic sectors received a major boost with the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025. The Ministry of Mines has recently issued detailed guidelines for setting up Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under this mission, marking a significant step toward building a resilient and future-ready mineral economy.
About NCMM
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines
Launch: January 2025
Purpose: To strengthen India’s supply chain and reduce dependency on imports of critical and strategic minerals.
Key Objectives
Supply Security: Ensure uninterrupted access to critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, rare earths, etc., from both domestic and international sources.
Value Chain Strengthening: Promote development in exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling.
Technological Ecosystem: Encourage R&D and innovation through Centres of Excellence, enhancing India's global competitiveness.
Skilling and Innovation: Foster human resource development in the mining sector.
Regulatory and Financial Framework: Facilitate policy reforms to attract private investment and global collaborations.
Why Critical Minerals Matter
Strategic Importance: Used in EVs, semiconductors, renewable energy, defence, and aerospace.
Global Trends: Countries like the US, Australia, and EU nations have national strategies for critical minerals.
Geopolitical Significance: China dominates global supply chains of several critical minerals, posing supply risks to importing nations.
Relevance for UPSC
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy – Infrastructure, Mineral Resources, Industrial Policy
GS Paper 2: Governance – Government Policies and Interventions
Prelims: Current Affairs, Geography of Minerals
UPSC Prelims Question
Consider the following statements regarding the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM):
It was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2024.
One of its objectives is to foster innovation and skill development in the mining sector.
The mission aims to reduce India’s dependency on foreign countries for critical minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect – NCMM was launched by the Ministry of Mines, not Earth Sciences.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct – It focuses on innovation, skilling, and reducing foreign dependency.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 Question
Q. India’s energy transition and industrial goals are critically linked to the availability of critical minerals. Discuss how the National Critical Mineral Mission can help secure India's mineral supply chain and contribute to strategic autonomy.
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