India Seeks Critical Minerals in Africa and Australia for Energy Transition

India is exploring mining opportunities for critical minerals like lithium in Zambia, Congo, Tanzania, and Australia to lessen import reliance. The government has identified over 20 essential minerals and allocated Rs 16,300 crore to develop the sector. Recent discoveries in Jammu and Kashmir also highlight India’s efforts to secure domestic resources, with a focus on exploring lithium reserves by May 2025.

India is actively seeking opportunities to extract critical minerals, including lithium, in countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo), Tanzania, and Australia. This initiative aims to diminish dependence on imported minerals essential for energy transition technologies. The Indian government has identified 20 crucial minerals for development and has allocated considerable funding towards advancing the critical minerals sector.

As part of its efforts to enhance self-sufficiency, India is focusing on the development of lithium processing technology, an area currently dominated by China. The Zambian authorities have recently granted India access to 9,000 square kilometers for the exploration of cobalt and copper. Moreover, India is monitoring opportunities in Congo and Tanzania to mine additional critical minerals.

India’s Mines Minister, G Kishan Reddy, has announced the country’s intentions to explore lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, with further clarifications expected by May 2025. The Indian government discovered its first lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2023, estimating them at 5.9 million metric tons. However, no bids have been received for the mining rights in the region as of yet.

In 2023, India classified over 20 minerals, including lithium, as critical to support its energy transition goals and to satisfy the increasing demand from various industries and the infrastructure sector. In January 2025, the Indian government approved expenditure of ₹16,300 crore (approximately $1.88 billion) to further develop its critical minerals sector.

India is making strategic moves to secure critical minerals necessary for its energy transition. With planned exploration in multiple countries and the identification of domestic reserves, the government aims to reduce import reliance and promote self-sufficiency in mineral resources. The allocation of substantial funding signals a robust commitment to developing the critical minerals sector.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com