To aid in the procedure, Minister G Kishan Reddy writes to Minister S Jaishankar of External Affairs.
In addition to coordinating with local governments, mining businesses, and other authorities in the individual nations, the officers will serve as a central point of contact for Indian enterprises looking to engage in essential minerals abroad. The program is a component of India’s plan to guarantee a steady supply of vital minerals to sustain its industrial demands and energy transition.
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy requested “designate officers” in a few Indian missions, including those in Argentina, Australia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Africa, in a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Additionally, I would like to ask that officials in specific Indian Missions be appointed as “Critical Mineral Mission & KABIL” representatives in order to ensure smooth communication with local government agencies, mining entities, and authorities,” the letter, which was issued last month, stated.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been asked by the Ministry to help facilitate the process.
In addition to coordinating with local governments, mining businesses, and other authorities in the individual nations, the officers will serve as a central point of contact for Indian enterprises looking to engage in essential minerals abroad. The program is a component of India’s plan to guarantee a steady supply of vital minerals to sustain its industrial demands and energy transition.
Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy requested “designate officers” in a few Indian missions, including those in Argentina, Australia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Africa, in a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The letter, which was written last month, stated, “I would also like to request that officers in selected Indian Missions be designated to act as ‘Critical Mineral Mission & KABIL’ representatives, ensuring seamless coordination with local authorities, mining entities, and government agencies.”
Point of contact
In addition to serving as a single point of contact for businesses wishing to invest abroad, the officers would also assist with handholding if necessary.
See also: 2024 market gains of 10% driven by retail investors; 2025 focus turns to energy and defence
In addition to conducting due diligence on blocks in Australia, India has identified 24 essential minerals, including lithium, of which five blocks have been purchased in Argentina, where non-invasive exploration is currently taking place. In addition, efforts are being made to source and explore copper and cobalt with African countries like Zambia and the Congo. Vanadium, molybdenum, nickel, rare earth elements (REE), platinum group elements (PGE), and graphite are among the other essential minerals on the list.
In the area of vital minerals, it also has memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with at least 13 nations for exploration, sourcing, and potential investment by both government and corporate organisations. Mozambique, Cote d’Ivoire, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, and Morocco are a few of these nations.
Transition of energy
India is “undergoing significant energy transition” and cutting carbon emissions, according to Reddy’s letter. Additionally, “a resilient and reliable supply of critical minerals” is needed to support this shift.
In order to “foster partnerships” in the discovery and mining of vital and strategic minerals, the Minister aimed to “direct” Indian Missions “to actively engage with identified countries.”
“In addition to strengthening our resource supply chains, collaborative agreements in these areas (exploration and mining) will support India’s ambitious energy transition goals,” Reddy said. There is a list of 28 countries that are of interest.
According to the Mines Minister, the National vital Mineral Mission is now underway and will “diversify sources of critical raw materials,” promote sustainable mining partnerships, and boost local industry by ensuring these minerals are available.
“At the same time, the state-owned company Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), which was established to buy mines abroad, is being strengthened to strengthen mineral security,” he continued.
source: the hindu business line
English 
French