\n\n
The government is set to unveil a new critical‑minerals stockpiling policy in about a month, aimed at safeguarding supply chains for defence, advanced electronics, aerospace and clean‑energy sectors. Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra told the India Mines and Minerals Conclave 2026 that the policy is "on the verge of finalising" and will provide a reliable supply of essential minerals for manufacturing and strategic applications.
Key developments include the planned creation of four dedicated processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, which will boost domestic value‑addition, especially for battery‑grade materials. Over 30 minerals have been classified as critical, covering sectors from defence and agriculture to energy and telecommunications. The policy also seeks to build a strategic reserve to buffer against import dependence, price volatility and geopolitical shocks, complementing broader actions such as expanded domestic exploration, overseas asset acquisition and recycling initiatives.
Why it matters: Critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths are indispensable for electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean‑energy technologies. By securing reserves and processing capacity, India aims to reduce reliance on external sources—primarily China—and enhance resilience for its growing manufacturing and defence base.
What to watch next: Final policy details and the timeline for the first stockpile, the selection and funding of the four processing parks, and how the government will integrate recycling and overseas acquisitions into the broader critical‑minerals strategy. [[1, 2]]