Hyderabad, Feb 26 (UNI) The National Critical and Strategic Minerals Committee, constituted by NITI Aayog, on Thursday stressed the need for coordinated efforts by public and private mining companies to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy and advanced technologies.
The Committee held its second meeting at Singareni Bhavan here under the chairmanship of Dr. D.K. Singh, where members highlighted the strategic importance of minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt and nickel for sectors including renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics, defence and advanced manufacturing.
Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, a member of the Committee, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the National Critical Mineral Mission and said the panel would play a key role in identifying and developing domestic mineral resources to reduce import dependence.
He said Singareni has initiated efforts to extract rare earth elements from overburden and clay in its opencast mines and is also exploring recovery of valuable minerals from fly ash and bottom ash generated at its thermal power plant, reflecting its focus on sustainable mining and resource utilisation.
The Committee reviewed the current demand-supply scenario, exploration opportunities across various states, technological requirements and policy support needed to accelerate mineral exploration and development.
Members emphasised the need to strengthen research and development and promote strategic partnerships to tap the country’s untapped mineral potential.
NITI Aayog Deputy Advisor (Minerals) and Member Secretary R. Saravanabhavan said the Committee would finalise and submit its report within a stipulated timeframe, adding that the next meeting would be held at NLC India Limited next month.
Senior officials from Singareni, representatives from Coal India Limited, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation, Vedanta Limited, Hindalco Industries, Hindustan Zinc, Adani Group and research institutions participated in the meeting.
