Page 6 - Minerals

US delegates discuss cooperation on critical minerals with Pak officials

A US delegation held talks with Pakistani officials to seek cooperation in minerals and mining as Washington races to secure mineral supply chains for American industry amid concerns over China's increasing control on rare-earth resources. The US delegation, led by Critical Minerals Forum (CMF) chief Robert Louis Strayer II, along with US Charg d'Affaires Natalie Baker, met Minister for Finance & Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb and his team on Friday. According to an official statement, the US delegation discussed avenues of cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, strengthening supply-chain security, and encouraging responsible and sustainable investment in Pakistan's critical minerals landscape. It said that Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan's ongoing structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and positive global outlook, emphasising that a robust minerals policy can drive Pakistan toward export-led growth and long-term economic stability. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to continued

'Prevent world from returning to law of jungle': Xi warns against bullying

Xi's remarks came as he was the only superpower left at the summit after US President Donald Trump departed from South Korea a day earlier

Some companies in India get China licences to import REMs, says MEA

MEA confirms licences for Indian companies to import rare earth magnets from China; also announces US waiver on Chabahar port sanctions for six months

CIL intensifies critical mineral push with fresh bids, global focus

Coal India Ltd is accelerating its diversification strategy by bidding for domestic critical mineral blocks and scouting global lithium, graphite, and rare earth assets

Rare earth producers look to US-led boom to counter China's dominance

Beijing has long supported strategic enterprises, either directly or through indirect means like inexpensive loans or a helping hand with permits, a far cry from West's economically driven approach

Rajasthan to make 8 mines operational this year, fast-tracks clearances

Rajasthan targets 8 new mines in 2025, aiming to boost revenue to ₹12,980 crore, create jobs, and attract investment with fast-track clearances.

Chinese officials try to ease global concerns over rare earth export curbs

China's unprecedented move on rare earths sparked a global pushback over the past week, as officials from Europe and Japan voiced concerns over supply chain stability

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