India’s Strategic Pursuit of Critical Minerals in Zambia, Congo, and Australia

India is exploring critical minerals mining in Zambia, Congo, and Australia to secure lithium and reduce import reliance. Zambian government has granted land for cobalt and copper exploration. The country is also investigating domestic lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir and has allocated significant funds to enhance the critical minerals sector.

India is actively pursuing the mining of critical minerals, including lithium, in Zambia, Congo, and Australia, as stated by Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao. The nation’s initiative aims to diminish reliance on mineral imports crucial for energy transition technologies. Companies such as Coal India, NMDC, and ONGC Videsh are currently involved in exploring these resources in Australia.

In a recent media conference, Rao announced the Zambian government’s decision to allocate 9,000 square kilometers for India’s exploration of cobalt and copper. Furthermore, India is expanding its focus on mining opportunities in Congo and Tanzania to bolster its critical minerals sector.

India’s Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy indicated that plans are underway to explore lithium reserves within Jammu and Kashmir, with a clearer outlook anticipated by May 2025. Following the discovery of 5.9 million metric tons of lithium deposits in February 2023, the Indian government has yet to attract bids for auctioning mining rights in the region.

In 2023, over 20 minerals, including lithium, were designated as “critical” to support India’s energy transition and satisfy the increasing demands of various industries and infrastructure. In January 2025, New Delhi committed Rs 63 billion (approximately $1.88 billion) for the development of the critical minerals sector.

In summary, India is intensifying efforts to secure critical minerals like lithium through international collaborations in Zambia, Congo, and Australia, aiming to reduce import dependencies. Additionally, domestic exploration initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir are expected to enhance the country’s mineral processing capabilities, aligning with its energy transition goals. The government’s substantial financial commitment further underscores India’s strategic focus on developing its critical minerals sector.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com