Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Why in the News?
Union Coal and Mines Minister has launched the first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for 13 critical mineral blocks.
About the Critical Minerals Exploration Policy
- India’s Critical Minerals Policy is designed to reduce import dependence, boost domestic production, and ensure secure access to essential minerals required for modern technology, defense, and clean energy.
- It is driven by amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR), 2023, introduces systematic exploration, private sector participation, and transparent auctions.
- Key Features of the Policy:
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- Private Sector Involvement: Allows private companies to explore and develop mineral blocks through Exploration Licences (ELs).
- Transparent Auction Process: Introduces an auction-based allocation of exploration blocks, ensuring efficiency and competition.
- Focus on Deep-Seated Minerals: Encourages the exploration of hard-to-extract minerals like lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and platinum group metals (PGMs).
- Financial Support for Exploration: Provides risk-sharing mechanisms, where 50% of exploration costs are borne by the government if minerals are not found.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are essential elements required for high-tech industries, clean energy technologies, and national security.
- They are however at risk of supply chain disruptions due to their limited availability or geopolitical factors.
- India’s 30 Critical Minerals (2023 List) includes: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Platinum Group Elements (PGEs), Silicon, Phosphorous, Potash, Tin, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, and others.
Uses of Critical Minerals:
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Copper, gallium, germanium, indium.
- Electric Vehicles & Batteries: Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite.
- Renewable Energy Technologies: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) for wind turbines and solar panels.
- Aerospace & Defense: Titanium, tungsten, platinum group elements (PGEs).
PYQ:[2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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