National Critical Mineral Mission

The National Critical Mineral Mission is a Government of India initiative to secure reliable supplies of minerals essential for economic development, advanced technology and national security. It seeks to build mineral security by strengthening the complete supply chain, from exploration and mining to processing, recycling and overseas acquisition.

Mandate and mission period

Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025, the Mission operates for seven years, from 2024-25 to 2030-31. It provides for government expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore, alongside expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by public sector undertakings and other entities.

How the Mission secures supplies

The Mission adopts a whole value-chain approach rather than focusing only on extraction.

• It expands exploration within India and its offshore areas, followed by the auction and development of viable mineral blocks.
• It supports acquisition of overseas mineral assets and encourages trade and partnerships with resource-rich countries.
• It promotes beneficiation, processing and mineral-processing parks to retain more value within India.
• It encourages recycling and recovery from end-of-life products and mining waste, while proposing a domestic strategic stockpile.
• It supports research, technological development, skills and suitable financial and regulatory measures.

Strategic and economic significance

The Mission aims to reduce vulnerability arising from import dependence and concentrated global supply chains. It supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, clean-energy technologies, electronics, defence production and other high-technology industries while encouraging environmentally responsible mining and a circular economy.