GMDC To Invest Rs 4,500 Crore in Critical Minerals For Green Energy Push

In this context, the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has planned projects worth Rs 4,500 crore in the critical minerals segment, which will strengthen the state’s role in the global supply chain.

The Government of India, in pursuit of self-reliance, has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission, under which the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to carry out 1,200 exploration projects by 2030-31. In November 2022, a committee formed by the Ministry of Mines identified 30 key minerals, of which 24 were included in Part D of Schedule I of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

This inclusion authorises the central government to auction mining leases and composite licenses for these specific minerals.

GMDC Managing Director Roopvant Singh stated that Gujarat is well-positioned to play a leading role in the central government’s Critical Minerals Mission. These essential minerals are crucial components in solar energy, wind power, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. The state-run enterprise is committed to making mining and energy operations cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

The corporation has also established the International Centre of Excellence in Mining Safety and Automation, which focuses on cutting-edge technologies. The institution fosters skills, collaboration, and infrastructure development across government, industry, and academia.

At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), a seminar on critical minerals was held, where subject experts Alist Neil and Bhaskar Rakshite highlighted through presentations that there are vast opportunities for critical mineral exploration projects across several Indian states, including Gujarat and Rajasthan, on the global stage.

During a panel discussion, Nishant Nishchal, Partner at Kearney, and senior executives from Lithium Recycling and Mahindra Ltd., emphasised that India’s growing aerospace sector depends on titanium alloys and rare-earth magnets for aircraft engines and avionics. Similarly, the defence sector relies on rare-earth elements for radar, sonar, and missile guidance systems.

What Are Critical Minerals?

Critical minerals are essential resources required for clean energy and electronic applications, but their supply chains face potential disruption risks. Globally, minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements form the backbone of the low-carbon economy. Consequently, countries worldwide are formulating strategies to ensure sustained access to these minerals.

Minerals vital for the energy transition include lithium, cobalt, and nickel (for batteries), rare earths (for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines), copper (for power grids), and silicon and gallium (for solar panels and semiconductors).

Collectively, these minerals serve as pillars of India’s clean energy transformation and defense modernization.