Ministry of Mines, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation Sign MoU at Critical Minerals Summit

The 'Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities' kicked off at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, with a focus on promoting collaboration and innovation in the critical minerals sector. 

Inaugurated under the auspices of the Ministry of Mines, the summit's opening ceremony was graced by the presence of V L Kantha Rao, Secretary of Mines.

At the sidelines of the summit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Mines and the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation. This agreement initiates a strategic partnership involving the Ministry of Mines, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and TERI. The collaborative effort aims to provide knowledge support in the sector of critical minerals, essential for India’s economic growth, national security, and low-carbon energy transition.

The summit's agenda was rich with insights, featuring exhibition pavilions showcasing a diverse array of minerals sourced from terrestrial and marine environments, offering attendees a comprehensive view of the critical minerals landscape.

V.L. Kantha Rao, in his keynote address, highlighted the urgent need for exploration and utilization of critical minerals to support India's rapid economic growth and clean energy aspirations. He highlighted recent government initiatives, including mineral block auctions, aimed at expediting domestic mineral exploration and production.

Dynamic panel discussions delved into key topics such as fortifying India's processing and beneficiation capabilities and strategizing for domestic and global market expansion. Notable deliberations centered on the Ministry's commitment to infrastructure development for research and development in mineral processing, exemplified by initiatives like the Indo-Australian Critical Minerals Research Hub at IIT Hyderabad.

The summit also hosted a technology session, featuring presentations from private companies, R&D institutions, academia, as well as GSI and NFTDC, showcasing India’s mineral potential and available processing technologies.

Dr. Veena Kumari D., Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, concluded the day by stressing the need for efficient processing technologies amid global policy uncertainties. She emphasized India's potential as a key player in electric vehicles, energy storage technologies, and other critical sectors, highlighting the importance of nurturing a robust domestic supply chain.