NITI Aayog Urges Boost in Mining, Exploration for Critical Minerals

• NITI Aayog emphasizes strengthening domestic exploration and mining to meet India's future critical mineral needs.
• Report suggests building domestic innovation and technology capability through a mission-oriented critical raw materials R&D framework.
• Proposes conditional First Come, First Served (FCFS) access for early-stage exploration of priority Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
• Recommends diversifying international supply sources and reducing import risk by classifying minerals and tailoring overseas engagement.
• Stresses unlocking reliable secondary feedstock for critical Energy Transition Minerals and establishing a National Critical Raw Material (CRM) Analytical Strategy Unit.