India’s Rare Earth Minerals Strategy & Critical Mineral Security (2025)

7️⃣5️⃣ India’s Rare Earth Minerals Strategy & Critical Mineral Security (2025) ⛏️🌍

🔹 Introduction

India is ramping up efforts to secure rare earth minerals (REMs) and critical minerals essential for semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense technologies. With increasing global demand and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, India is focusing on domestic rare earth extraction, strategic partnerships, and mineral processing capabilities.

Initiatives like the Critical Mineral Policy, deep-sea mining projects, and lithium exploration in Jammu & Kashmir are aimed at reducing dependence on China and strengthening India’s mineral security. However, challenges like environmental concerns, technological barriers, and processing capabilities need attention.

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🔹 Key Developments in India’s Rare Earth & Critical Mineral Strategy (2025)

✅ Expansion of Domestic Rare Earth Exploration & Mining ⛏️

• Significant lithium reserves discovered in Jammu & Kashmir & Karnataka.
• Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) secures global lithium & cobalt supply deals.
• Government allows private sector participation in rare earth mining & refining.

✅ Strategic Alliances for Critical Mineral Security 🌍

• India-Australia partnership for lithium & rare earth imports.
• India-Japan agreement on advanced rare earth processing technology.
• QUAD initiative for rare earth & semiconductor supply chain diversification.

✅ Deep-Sea Mining & Offshore Rare Earth Extraction 🌊

• Samudrayaan Mission explores deep-sea polymetallic nodules in the Indian Ocean.
• Underwater mining research conducted in collaboration with France & Japan.
• Environmental impact studies conducted for sustainable deep-sea mining.

✅ Rare Earth Processing & Green Metallurgy Development 🔬

• ISRO & DRDO investing in rare earth purification for defense & space tech.
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developing eco-friendly rare earth extraction techniques.
• New refineries planned to process lithium, cobalt, and neodymium domestically.

✅ Challenges in India’s Rare Earth & Critical Mineral Industry ⚠️

• High environmental impact of rare earth mining & processing.
• Dependence on China for refined rare earth materials.
• Lack of advanced processing technology for high-purity rare earth elements.

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📌 Advanced 3-Statement-Based MCQs on India’s Rare Earth Strategy (2025)

1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s rare earth mineral exploration:

1. India has discovered significant lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka.
2. Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) is responsible for securing global critical mineral supplies.
3. India has achieved full self-sufficiency in rare earth processing and refining.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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2️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s strategic alliances for critical minerals:

1. India has partnered with Australia to secure lithium and rare earth supplies.
2. India and Japan have an agreement for rare earth processing technology collaboration.
3. India has signed an exclusive trade agreement with China for critical mineral security.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding deep-sea mining and India’s rare earth extraction projects:

1. India’s Samudrayaan Mission is focused on exploring deep-sea polymetallic nodules for critical minerals.
2. India is collaborating with France and Japan for deep-sea mining research.
3. India has fully commercialized deep-sea mining operations in the Indian Ocean.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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4️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s rare earth processing and metallurgy advancements:

1. ISRO and DRDO are investing in rare earth purification for space and defense applications.
2. Indian refineries are now capable of processing lithium, cobalt, and neodymium at industrial scale.
3. India is the world’s largest producer of high-purity rare earth elements.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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5️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding challenges in India’s rare earth and critical mineral industry:

1. Rare earth mining and processing have high environmental costs.
2. India still depends on China for refined rare earth materials.
3. India has developed an independent supply chain for all critical minerals.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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🚀 Conclusion

India’s rare earth strategy is critical for semiconductor manufacturing, EV batteries, and defense applications, but processing limitations, environmental concerns, and foreign dependencies remain challenges. With increased investments in mining, refining, and strategic alliances, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical mineral supply chain.