Critical Minerals

30 Apr 2024 Critical Minerals

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF ”Critical Minerals”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “Environment” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM. 

Why in the news? 

The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), is organizing the “Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities” at the India Habitat Centre in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. The summit is focused on ‘Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities.’ Rao urged participants to brainstorm and make suggestions for the policy document.

The summit brings together various Indian and international stakeholders, including industry leaders, startups, government officials, scientists, academics, and policy experts. Participants engage in active dialogue and interactive workshops on critical issues such as mineral auction progress, policy incentives for CRM ecosystem development, and advancing commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

The summit will equip government and industry stakeholders with the knowledge, connections, and tools necessary to accelerate the domestic production of critical raw materials (CRMs), supporting India’s economic growth and sustainability objectives. Key features of the summit include technical sessions on eight key minerals: glauconite (Potash), Lithium Earth Elements (Laterite), Chromium, Platinum Group, Graphite, Tungsten associated with Graphite, Rare Earth (RE), and Vanadium associated with Graphite.

What is Critical Minerals?

Critical minerals are natural resources considered essential for a nation’s economic and national security, but their supply may be at risk due to geopolitical, economic, or environmental factors. These minerals are pivotal not just for the manufacturing sector but also for high-tech industries, renewable energy technologies, defence, and other critical infrastructure. 

Critical minerals often include rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, cobalt, graphite, and indium. These minerals are used in various applications, from batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage to advanced electronics, magnets, and catalysts.

The designation of a mineral as “critical” typically depends on several factors, including:

1. 1. Economic Importance: The mineral plays a significant role, particularly in key industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, or energy.
   2. Supply Risk: There may be concerns about the stability or security of the mineral’s supply chain. This could be due to geopolitical tensions, limited global reserves, or supply concentration in a few countries.
   3. Strategic Importance: Minerals, such as defence technologies or critical infrastructure, are essential for national security.

Every country has its own list of critical minerals based on specific circumstances, including availability and priorities. The United States has declared 50 minerals critical for their importance in national security or economic development. Japan has identified 31 minerals as critical for its economy, while the United Kingdom considers 18 minerals critical. The European Union has listed 34 minerals as critical, and Canada also recognizes 31 minerals as crucial. In India, there are 30 critical minerals as well. 

Importance of the Critical Minerals in India:

Critical minerals are essential to modern industries, from electronics and renewable energy to defence technologies. These minerals are vital in various sectors of India’s economy, including manufacturing, infrastructure development, and national security. These are:

• • Industrial Development: Critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, cobalt, and platinum group metals (PGMs) are crucial for producing advanced electronics, batteries, and catalysts. These materials are essential for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and high-tech devices. 
  • Renewable Energy: India is investing heavily in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to meet its energy needs and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are key components in batteries and magnets used in solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, making them indispensable for the country’s transition to a sustainable energy future. 
  • Defence and Aerospace: Critical minerals are essential for producing advanced materials used in defence and aerospace applications. These materials are used in manufacturing aircraft, missiles, satellites, and electronic warfare systems, ensuring national security and strategic autonomy.
  • Healthcare Sector: Critical minerals play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, particularly in producing medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Minerals like platinum, palladium, and rare earth elements are used in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and drug manufacturing, contributing to healthcare advancements and patient care.
  • Electronics Manufacturing: With a rapidly growing consumer electronics market, India relies heavily on imports for critical minerals required to produce electronic devices. Access to these minerals is crucial for the country’s electronics manufacturing industry, significantly contributing to its economy and employment.

Way forward:

• Strategic Resource Planning: Develop a comprehensive national strategy for critical minerals, including inventorying available resources, assessing demand projections, and identifying priority minerals for conservation efforts. 
• Promotion of Recycling: Encourage the establishment of recycling facilities for electronic waste, batteries, and other products containing critical minerals. Provide incentives for industries to adopt recycling technologies and practices. 
• Research and Development: Invest in research and development to explore alternative materials, substitutes, and innovative technologies that reduce the reliance on critical minerals in key industries such as electronics, renewable energy, and automotive. 
• Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability: Implement mechanisms to track and trace critical minerals throughout the supply chain to ensure responsible sourcing practices and minimize the risk of illegal or unethical extraction.  
• Regulatory Framework: Strengthen regulatory frameworks for mining, environmental protection, and land use planning to ensure responsible extraction of critical minerals while mitigating environmental impacts and safeguarding local communities.
• Stockpiling: Maintain strategic stockpiles of critical minerals to buffer against short-term supply disruptions and market fluctuations. Governments and industries can collaborate to establish reserve programs to ensure supply security during emergencies. 

Download Yojna IAS daily current affairs Eng medium 30th April 2024

Mains Practice Question:

Q. What role do critical minerals play in the transition to renewable energy, and what are the potential challenges in ensuring their sustainable and ethical supply? 

Q. “What steps can the government of India take to improve the conservation of critical minerals used in technology and renewable energy industries?

Amit Pradhan

I have the experience to guide and write the content for the  UPSC, and PCS Aspirants in preparing for the Civil Service Exam.  Currently Working as a content developer in Yojna IAS.