India Exploring Mineral Pact With US

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – India said it is working towards formulating a holistic policy for critical minerals and has sought input from stakeholders on it.

According to sources aware of the development, in a meeting of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) on critical minerals, discussed entering a MoU with the US on critical minerals sourcing, sources aware of the development said.

It was decided in the meeting that all stake holding ministries must give their inputs for formulating a policy on critical minerals.

In June, India released a list of 30 critical minerals, which are considered essential for economic development and national security.

The 30 minerals listed as critical by the government include Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.

Mines Ministry officials have said that to reduce carbon emissions, the country needs to urgently relook at its mineral requirements for energy transition and net-zero commitments.