India's critical-mineral debate moves beyond extraction to full value chains
The policy case now spans exploration, refining, processing, engineering, manufacturing and recycling rather than mine access alone.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh has called for Indian capabilities across the full critical-minerals chain, from exploration and extraction to refining, engineering and manufacturing.
Speaking at a CII summit, he linked these materials to clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, telecom, aerospace, defence and nuclear energy. He also advocated a mix of domestic resources, international partnerships and earlier industry involvement in research.
Why it matters
Concentrated mineral supply and processing dependence can constrain the energy transition, industrial competitiveness and national security even when raw resources are available.
SCULTRA point of view
Resilience requires transparent resource data, processing technology, recycling, environmental safeguards and bankable demand across the value chain, not simply access to mines.
Limitations
This was a policy speech. It did not announce a mine award, supply agreement, new budget or quantified capacity plan.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Science and Technology, 11 September 2026, 3:53 PM IST.