Public – Private partnerships at Central & State level key for a self-reliant critical mineral eco-system: Dr Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog
Viksit Bharat needs stable trade environment for production, import, and export. Calling for enhanced collaboration, Dr Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog said, while foreign policy plays a big role, public private partnerships, both at central and state levels help building a self-reliant critical mineral ecosystem aligning with India’s vision for becoming a global hub for critical minerals manufacturing and processing.
Addressing the Indian Mining Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry focusing on “Securing Critical Minerals: Shaping an Atmanirbhar Bharat”, Dr Arvind said, “There is need to de-risk regional and geographical monopoly to increase global share of manufacturing value add and diversify supply and demand; and diversification starts from the home ground.”
Diversification of domestic supply chains, infrastructure connectivity through industrial parks and facilitating ease of doing business, one-time capital subsidy and encouraging FDI will supplement towards the de-risking and Viksit Bharat efforts, Dr Arvind said. Facilitate transition and backward integration will improve scale and quality. FTAs with Australia, EFTA, UK, EU, USA (BTA) will facilitate supply chain entry. Harnessing cooperation with the Indian Oceans metals and minerals community will also be critical for meeting the Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
Emphasizing the strategic significance of critical mineral for India’s clean energy transition, advanced manufacturing sectors, and preparedness for a digital economy, Mr Arun Misra, Chairman, CII National Committee on Mining and CEO, Hindustan Zinc Ltd said that from steel and coal to critical minerals, India’s mining journey reflects changing national priorities. Private exploration in critical minerals is now enabled by policy reforms. AI and startups are transforming exploration by lowering risks and raising efficiency. “The future of mining would be a mix of waste management, water efficiency and sustainability. India must ensure growth in mining while protecting air, water, land and communities”, Mr Misra said.
Mr Thomas Cherian, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Mining and Managing Director, Essel Mining & Industries Ltd, highlighted the four-step requirements for India to secure the critical minerals going beyond making resource availability. The first step towards it is government-industry collaboration, with clear policy framework and ease of doing business, second global partnerships for engaging with mineral-rich nations, , third- academia and R&D to drive breakthroughs in mineral processing , and fourth- community engagement for inclusive development.
Ms Swati Salgaokar, Co-Chairperson, CII National Committee on Mining and Managing Director, V M Salgaokar& Brother Pvt Ltd said, Atmanirbhar Bharat is not about isolation but about engaging the world from a position of strength, with critical minerals as a key lever. By building domestic champions in processing and refining , we can compete internationally. Secure mineral foundations will enable new industries, from electric mobility to advanced electronics, to thrive. Additionally, this journey will create jobs, foster skills, and drive innovation ecosystem that uplift communities nationwide.
New Delhi
18.9.2025