India Launches Forum To Boost Critical Mineral Mission

09 Jun 2025 CW Team

In his keynote address, the Minister stressed the need for robust collaboration between government bodies, industry, academia, and startups to establish a resilient and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem. The newly launched Outreach Forum is set to be a vital platform for innovation, investment attraction, and sustainable development, aligning with India’s ambition to become a global hub for critical mineral processing and technology.

The Ministry of Mines shared progress on NCMM activities, including recent auctions and updates under the Centre of Excellence scheme. The conference drew around 200 delegates from private and public enterprises, state governments, academic institutions, R&D centres, and international financial agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

On this occasion, Hindustan Copper Limited, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RITES Limited of the Ministry of Railways. The MoU aims to create a rapid, reliable, and sustainable supply chain for metals and critical minerals through joint exploration, extraction, refining, and production efforts in India and abroad. The two entities will leverage their respective technical and financial capabilities to meet the strategic objectives outlined in the agreement.

The seminar also featured technical sessions and policy discussions with participation from senior policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and state government officials. These sessions provided a platform for showcasing indigenous innovations, especially in processing low-grade and complex ores, as well as the private sector’s progress in sustainable technology development.

Key themes included advancements in mineral processing technology, government efforts to improve infrastructure and approvals, refining of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, and financial models to reduce risk in the sector. The importance of recycling and extended producer responsibility in fostering a circular economy was also highlighted.

The seminar concluded with strengthened engagement between companies and key stakeholders, reinforcing efforts to build a robust critical mineral value chain within and for India.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Critical Mineral Seminar and officially launched the NCMM Outreach Forum under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in New Delhi. The event, held during a national seminar on critical mineral processing, highlighted the essential role of critical minerals in India’s clean energy transition, defence, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing.In his keynote address, the Minister stressed the need for robust collaboration between government bodies, industry, academia, and startups to establish a resilient and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem. The newly launched Outreach Forum is set to be a vital platform for innovation, investment attraction, and sustainable development, aligning with India’s ambition to become a global hub for critical mineral processing and technology.The Ministry of Mines shared progress on NCMM activities, including recent auctions and updates under the Centre of Excellence scheme. The conference drew around 200 delegates from private and public enterprises, state governments, academic institutions, R&D centres, and international financial agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.On this occasion, Hindustan Copper Limited, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RITES Limited of the Ministry of Railways. The MoU aims to create a rapid, reliable, and sustainable supply chain for metals and critical minerals through joint exploration, extraction, refining, and production efforts in India and abroad. The two entities will leverage their respective technical and financial capabilities to meet the strategic objectives outlined in the agreement.The seminar also featured technical sessions and policy discussions with participation from senior policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and state government officials. These sessions provided a platform for showcasing indigenous innovations, especially in processing low-grade and complex ores, as well as the private sector’s progress in sustainable technology development.Key themes included advancements in mineral processing technology, government efforts to improve infrastructure and approvals, refining of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, and financial models to reduce risk in the sector. The importance of recycling and extended producer responsibility in fostering a circular economy was also highlighted.The seminar concluded with strengthened engagement between companies and key stakeholders, reinforcing efforts to build a robust critical mineral value chain within and for India.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Madurai Corporation Proposes Rs 1,400 Million Plan to Save Vaigai River

In a renewed effort to tackle pollution, the Madurai Corporation has submitted Rs 1,400 million proposal to the state government to upgrade the city’s drainage network and prevent untreated sewage from entering the Vaigai River. The proposal follows growing public concern over the river’s deteriorating condition despite previous mitigation efforts. The Vaigai flows for nearly 12 km within Madurai city limits, with sections obstructed by invasive plants, garbage, and untreated sewage. While multiple inlets contribute to contamination, the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam has been identifi..

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

PM Modi Inaugurates Mumbai Metro 3 Final Phase, 33.5 km Aqua Line

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of Mumbai’s first fully underground Metro 3, making the 33.5 km Aqua Line operational. The line connects Aarey in North Mumbai to Colaba in South Mumbai, aiming to ease congestion on suburban trains and roads. The final stretch, spanning 11.2 km from Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli to Cuffe Parade, provides connectivity to six major business centres, including Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC, and SEEPZ/MIDC. According to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), the stretch also links areas such as Kalbadevi, Girgaum, Worl..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

M.E. Energy Wins Rs 490 Million Ferro Alloys EPC Order

M.E. Energy Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kilburn Engineering Ltd and a leading Indian engineering company specialising in energy recovery and cost reduction solutions, has secured its second consecutive major order valued at Rs 490 million in the ferro alloys sector. The order is for an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to develop a 12 MW Waste Heat Recovery Based Power Plant (WHRPP). This repeat order underscores the growing trust of the ferro alloys industry in M.E. Energy’s expertise in delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions tailor..