Page 2 - Minerals

Mines ministry unlikely to cap bid premium in critical mineral auctions

The mines ministry rules out any move to limit bid premiums for critical minerals, even as aggressive offers raise questions over their commercial viability

Centre working on steps to boost rare earth supply chain: Piyush Goyal

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal says India is building resilient supply chains and negotiating pacts with Chile and Peru to boost access to rare earth minerals

Govt working on steps to improve supply of rare earth minerals: Goyal

The government is working on measures to improve supply of rare earth minerals, including negotiating trade pacts with Chile and Peru, promoting domestic exploration, and engaging startups in recycling and processing, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Critical or rare earth minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt are essential raw materials which have applications in various industries ranging from electronic goods to fighter jets. These minerals also fuel the growth of rapidly growing clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. Countries like Chile, Peru and Australia have reserves of these minerals. India already has implemented a trade pact with Australia and is negotiating with South American nations Chile and Peru. The Indian team is visiting the two South American countries for the next round of trade talks. "Look at Chile and Peru, think about it. Why am I doing FTA with them in the first place? It

China is making it harder to get rare earth magnet export licenses

Approvals are taking longer, although generally still within the commerce ministry's 45 business day deadline, but the scrutiny is now similar to April, at the height of the trade war

Trump aide blames China for 'damaging global economy' after rare earth curb

Bessent argued that China's restrictions on critical minerals reflect internal economic challenges and a desire to drag the rest of the world along with it

China restricts rare earth exports, threatening US semiconductor, AI growth

China accounts for 90% of all rare earth elements processing, a figure that rises to 99% for heavy rare earth processing

Pentagon plans $1 bn mineral stockpile to counter China's supply control

The US is ramping up efforts to secure key minerals, aiming to reduce its reliance on China for materials critical to defence systems, technology and manufacturing

What is India's National Critical Mineral Stockpile and why it matters now?

The National Critical Mineral Stockpile (NCMS) will hold a two-month reserve of rare earths, protecting against supply disruptions and later covering other critical minerals

China widens export curbs on rare earths ahead of critical Xi-Trump meeting

Overseas exporters of items that use even traces of certain rare earths sourced from China will now need an export licence

Mines ministry proposes lowering bidder threshold for mineral auctions

The Ministry of Mines has proposed amendments to allow mineral block auctions to proceed with two technically qualified bidders instead of three to improve success rates

Do kids really need vitamin supplements? Here's what parents should know

Although many children's supplements claim to support immunity, growth, or overall wellbeing, there is little robust scientific evidence that they improve health outcomes

India needs to be self-reliant in rare earth element production: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday that India should achieve self-reliance in production of rare earth elements, given the current geopolitical situation. This would help India achieve its target of becoming a developed nation and play an important role in ensuring the security of the country, Murmu said while speaking at the National Geoscience Awards 2024 here. "Seeing the current geopolitical situation it is very important that India becomes self-reliant in production of rare earth elements," she said. These elements are not rare because their availability is scarce but the process to identify these elements is very complicated, she said, adding that the development of indigenous technique will help complete this complicated process. President Murmu said this is the age of artificial intelligence, semiconductior, and clean energy technology. Rare earth elements are essential in smartphones, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy technologies. Rare Earth Elements (R

How China's 500kW antenna is giving it a clear lead in the mineral race

China is using its massive 500kW electromagnetic antenna, originally for submarines, to detect hidden lithium, cobalt, gold, and rare earths, boosting its lead in global mineral exploration

Mines ministry launches sixth critical minerals auction, PSU welfare plan

The mines ministry launched the sixth tranche of critical minerals auction for 23 blocks across 13 states and announced Rs 1 crore insurance cover for PSU miners

Govt to auction 23 critical mineral blocks in sixth tranche on Tuesday

The Centre will launch the sixth tranche of auctions for critical and strategic minerals on Tuesday, offering 23 blocks and announcing the first set of bidders for exploration licences

India must develop rare earth magnet ecosystem urgently: SIAM president

India must act decisively to fully leverage the vast opportunities that exist in India for developing the entire rare earth magnet ecosystem, SIAM President Shailesh Chandra said on Thursday. The government is considering incentives for the production of rare earth minerals and magnets in response to China's restrictions on its global supply, which have disrupted the supply chain. "Magnets have since snowballed and industry is presently trying to somehow manage its businesses," said Chandra here at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) "... there are discussions underway to look at the possibility of developing the entire Rare Earth Magnet ecosystem in India. Therefore, to fully leverage the vast opportunities that exist in our country, we must act decisively," said Chandra, who is also Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. Chandra further said the Indian automotive industry today stands at an

India taps Myanmar rebels for rare earth supply amid China's tight control

The Ministry of Mines has asked both state-run and private companies to collect and transport rare earth samples from Kachin Independence Army (KIA)-controlled mines in northeastern Myanmar

A critical mission: Recycling critical minerals can offer near-term cushion

What makes recycling particularly urgent is the long gestation period associated with mining and exploration

Cabinet clears ₹1,500 cr scheme to promote critical mineral recycling

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,500 crore scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission to promote recycling of e-waste and batteries for mineral recovery