Mineral Sector

Coal India resumes discussions with Chile to acquire lithium blocks

These talks had previously been halted because the Chilean government required CIL to have prior experience in mineral mining

Seven rare earth minerals that China is weaponising in trade war with US

In response to punitive tariffs imposed by Washington, Beijing earlier this month added seven rare earths to its export control list

Donald Trump launches critical minerals probe to weigh new tariffs

The order, which Trump signed on Tuesday, calls for the commerce secretary to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962

'Rare earth limits are concerning', says White House as China halts exports

The US raises alarm as China halts rare earth exports; key tech, defence industries face risk amid deepening trade war and supply chain uncertainty

Parl panel expresses concern over diversion of DMF's fund in several states

A parliamentary panel has expressed concerns over several cases of diversion of funds of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in several states for purposes other than welfare of mining-affected areas. The DMF is a non-profit statutory 'fund' for every Indian district affected by mining related operations. It is aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), to ensure effective and equitable utilisation of these funds to address the challenges of communities inhabiting the mining regions and for their sustainable development. The panel is "concerned to note that there are many cases of diversion of the funds of DMFs or purposes other than the stipulated ones, in many States as informed by the Ministry of Mines. Such diversions, the Committee notes, took place in the form of transfers to State treasury/consolidated fund of the State or State level funds (by whatever name called) or Chief Minister's Relief Fund or other funds or schemes", said the Standing Committe

Odisha govt lost Rs 864.45 crore mineral revenue during 2015-22: CAG report

The Odisha government has "lost revenue of Rs 864.45 crore" from minor mineral sources during the financial years 2015-16 to 2021-22, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) said in its latest report. In its audit report on collection of revenue from minor minerals, the CAG said the government failed to collect Rs 864.45 crore towards the District Mineral Fund (DMF) and Environment Management Fund (EMF) on royalty from minor minerals supplied by contractors and used in public projects without valid transit passes amounting to Rs 4,624.58 crore. The authorities in charge of public projects deducted royalty amounting to Rs 4,624.58 crore from the bills of contractors or project executants due to non-production of valid transit passes and purchase receipts in support of procurement from authorised sources. A total of Rs 885.70 crore towards DMF and EMF on royalty was to be realised in the state, during 2016-22. However, the authorities in charge of public projects in 14 ...

India a major geopolitical power, want strategic ties with it: Dutch FM

India and the Netherlands are looking at firming up an ambitious agreement this year to facilitate cooperation in high technology areas such as semiconductors, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on Tuesday. In a media interaction, Veldkamp said the Netherlands is also eyeing to firm up a strategic partnership with India as it is emerging as a major geopolitical power in the Indo-Pacific. "We want to conclude a strategic partnership with India," he said. Veldkamp is on a two-day visit to India. The Dutch foreign minister, answering a question on US President Donald Trump's tariff policy, said India and the European Union should work closely in dealing with challenges in the economic front. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Veldkamp on Monday, focusing on bilateral cooperation in areas of trade and investments, defence and security, innovation, and people-to-people ties. They also noted the vast potential of cooperation between India and t

Expect to sign critical minerals deal with Ukraine soon, says Trump

Trump also told reporters as he met his Cabinet that the United States is talking to Ukraine about the potential for American firms owning Ukrainian power plants

Govt launches critical minerals exploration licence auction for 13 blocks

Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday launched nation's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for 13 exploration blocks for critical minerals. Reddy launched the ELs in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Dona Paula near here, a major reform aimed to unlock India's untapped critical and deep-seated mineral resources. The licenses are for the exploration blocks for minerals like REE (rare earth elements), zinc, diamond, copper, PGE (platinum group minerals) and others. The programme also featured a roadshow on the 5th Tranche of Critical Mineral Blocks and the launch of AI Hackathon 2025, a Mineral Exploration Hackathon focused on Mineral Targeting using AI (Artificial Intelligence). Addressing the gathering, Union minister Reddy said that in the last 10 years, India's mining sector has achieved many milestones and emerged as one of the fastest and most dynamic sectors of the country. Today marks another milestone in the industry, he ..

Govt to auction mineral exploration licences for 13 blocks on March 13

With the enactment of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, exploration licences were introduced to allow private participation in reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals

Critical minerals recovery from waste needs multipronged strategy: Report

Recovery of critical minerals from processing waste requires a multipronged strategy with policy reforms in India, according to a report. Technological development, capacity building and supply chain integration are also needed for the recovery of these minerals from waste, according to a recent Ficci-Deloitte report. Critical minerals are important for the growth of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. The demand for these minerals is increasing as the world transitions to clean energy. Critical minerals are also used in defence, such as in the production of aircraft, missiles, tanks, and corvettes, according to the report. The country, it said, is steadily gearing its critical mineral resource security. However, challenges, such as low exploration levels, long gestation periods for mine operations, and bottlenecks in processing, highlight the need to look for alternative sources of critical minerals, with mine processing waste offering a promisi

Russia welcomes possibilities of cooperation with US on rare earth metals

Putin told state TV on Monday that Russia was open to joint projects with American partners - including government and the private sector - under a future Russia-US economic deal

Govt eyes putting most critical blocks on auction by 2031: MoS SC Dubey

The government on Friday sought participation and support of the industry for the success of the National Critical Mineral Mission and said that it is aiming to put a maximum number of critical blocks on auction by 2031. The minister also stressed on the need for the country to become self-reliant in critical minerals and said that it can be possible when both government and industry works as a team. "I request you all to participate in his mission so that it becomes successful," Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines said while addressing Ficci's critical minerals mission. He further said that as many as 24 critical minerals blocks have already been auctioned and the government is aiming to put a maximum number of such blocks on sale by 2031. "Our aim is to put the maximum number of critical blocks on auction by 2031 and it is not possible without your support," he stressed. The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last month approved the Rs

Ukraine rejects bid by US to own 50% of rare earth minerals: Report

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented the proposal to Zelenskiy in a draft contract, which was brought to their meeting on Wednesday

Vedanta Resources aims to raise $1 bn via debt to fund Zambian copper mines

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Vedanta Resources VDAN.NS> is trying to raise around $1 billion in debt financing to fund development of its Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Zambia, Chris Griffith, head of the company's base metals unit, said.

Critical mineral mission shows India's effort for energy security: Deloitte

Consulting firm Deloitte India has welcomed the government's approval to Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission stating that it is well-timed and signals a commitment to strengthen energy security in the face of global uncertainties. "The Cabinet's approval of the National Critical Mineral Mission, accompanied by a significant financial outlay, is a major step forward for India's energy security. Given the country's vulnerability to geopolitical shifts surrounding critical minerals, this mission addresses a key area of concern. It is a well-timed and highly welcome move by the government," Rakesh Surana, Partner, Deloitte India, said in a statement. What stands out most about this initiative is its holistic approach that covers the entire value chain. The focus is not just on the exploration of critical minerals, but also on crucial elements such as processing and recovery from end-of-life products, he said. "This multi-faceted approach will likely drive significant ...

Cabinet approves Rs 34,300 crore for National Critical Mineral Mission

Financial incentives, fast-track approval, mineral pacts with foreign nations planned

Govt approves National Critical Minerals Mission with Rs 34,300 cr outlay

The government on Wednesday approved a Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to promote exploration of critical minerals within the country and at offshore locations. The approval was given by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, minister for information and broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the mission aims to reduce the dependence on import of critical minerals and ensure self-reliance. The NCMM will encompass all stages of the value chain, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products. The mission will intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas. It aims to create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects. Additionally, the mission will offer financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and promote the recovery of these resources from .

Govt to invest nearly $2 billion to develop critical minerals sector

India identified 30 minerals, including lithium, as critical for its energy transition efforts and to meet the growing demand from industries

Govt to launch critical mineral mission to boost production: Mines minister

Union minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday said the Centre will soon launch the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependence, and encourage offshore mining auctions, while urging states to cooperate for sustained mining activities. Reddy made the remark after inaugurating the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference in Konark, in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Bihar's deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, Telangana deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, and other dignitaries and industry leaders. "The mission will soon get Cabinet approval. Union finance minister had announced about it in her budget speech. Import duty on critical mineral has also been made zero," Reddy said. Lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel and rare earth elements are known as critical minerals which are essential for manufacturing defence equipment and key technologies. Stating that India has already made a place in the global platform on critical ...