India Expands Global Search for Critical Minerals in Africa and Australia

New Delhi, Feb 27: The Indian government is intensifying its efforts to secure critical mineral resources globally, with active exploration and mining initiatives underway in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, and Australia.

Addressing a press conference, Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao emphasized that India is collaborating with the Australian government through Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) and is also working through diplomatic channels to acquire critical mineral assets in African nations.

Critical minerals, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are essential for advancing clean energy technologies, powering electric vehicles, and strengthening battery manufacturing. Given the rising demand, India is strategically expanding its mineral exploration footprint.

Major Exploration Initiatives​

• Australia: KABIL, along with public sector units such as Coal India, NMDC, and ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), is actively scouting for critical mineral blocks.
• Zambia: The Zambian government has allotted a 9,000 square kilometer greenfield area to India for the exploration of cobalt and copper. According to Rao, the exploration process is expected to take two to three years, with a subsequent bid for mining rights.
• Domestic Lithium Reserves: Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy revealed that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. A special team has been deployed to conduct further exploration, with clarity expected by April or May, followed by an auction process.

Upcoming Mineral Block Auctions​

The mines ministry is set to launch the auction of exploration license blocks next month, signaling a major push toward domestic and international mineral security.

Additionally, the government recently approved the ₹16,300 crore National Critical Mineral Mission, a comprehensive initiative with a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore over seven years. Public sector enterprises are expected to contribute ₹18,000 crore to the mission, which aims to:

• Boost domestic exploration of critical minerals.
• Reduce import dependence.
• Secure overseas mineral assets.
• Develop indigenous processing technologies.
• Establish recycling mechanisms for critical minerals.

As clean energy transitions accelerate worldwide, India's strategic push to secure mineral resources aligns with its vision of self-reliance in critical minerals and a sustainable green energy future.