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The government is set to reveal a new critical minerals stockpiling policy in roughly a month, aiming to lock in supplies for strategic sectors such as defence, advanced electronics and aerospace. Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra said the policy is "on the verge of finalising" and will be announced soon, underscoring its role in guaranteeing a reliable supply chain for manufacturing and technology development.
Key developments include the plan to build four dedicated critical minerals processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which will boost domestic processing capacity, especially for battery‑grade materials. Over 30 minerals have been classified as critical, covering sectors from defence to telecommunications, with copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths highlighted as essential for clean‑energy technologies and electrification.
Why it matters: securing strategic mineral reserves and expanding processing infrastructure will reduce India’s reliance on imports, safeguard against supply shocks, and support the growth of emerging industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and high‑tech manufacturing. The move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s mineral value chain and enhance resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions and global demand spikes.
What to watch next: final details of the stockpiling policy, timeline and scale of the processing parks, the list of minerals to be stocked, and any accompanying measures for overseas acquisitions or recycling initiatives that could further bolster domestic supply security. [[1]]