India takes bold steps to secure critical minerals

13 Dec 2023 CW Team

To ensure a steady supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market, a joint venture company named Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL) was formed. This venture received equity contributions from three Central Public Sector Enterprises: National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy KABIL, based on commissioned studies and selection criteria, has initiated engagement with state-owned organisations in shortlisted source countries, facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassies in countries like Argentina and Australia, aiming to acquire overseas mineral assets.

The Central Government, through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, amended the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957, inserting 24 critical and strategic minerals into Part D of Schedule-I. These minerals are officially recognised as critical and strategic for the country. The amended Act also empowers the Central Government to auction critical and strategic mineral blocks. The first tranche of auction for 20 blocks took place on November 29, 2023, with details provided in the Annexure.

Furthermore, as part of its 'Science and Technology Programme,' the Ministry of Mines offers grants under S&T-PRISM for the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in the Mining, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, and Recycling Sector. One of the key focus areas under S&T-PRISM is the extraction of strategic and critical minerals at the elemental level.

On November 1, 2022, the Ministry of Mines established a Committee tasked with identifying critical and strategic minerals. Among its recommendations was the creation of a National Institute or Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM). The CECM's objective is to regularly update India's list of critical minerals, preferably every three years, and periodically announce the critical mineral strategy. The Committee identified 30 minerals as critical, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule 1 of the MMDR Act as critical and strategic minerals. To ensure a steady supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market, a joint venture company named Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL) was formed. This venture received equity contributions from three Central Public Sector Enterprises: National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy KABIL, based on commissioned studies and selection criteria, has initiated engagement with state-owned organisations in shortlisted source countries, facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Embassies in countries like Argentina and Australia, aiming to acquire overseas mineral assets. The Central Government, through the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023, amended the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957, inserting 24 critical and strategic minerals into Part D of Schedule-I. These minerals are officially recognised as critical and strategic for the country. The amended Act also empowers the Central Government to auction critical and strategic mineral blocks. The first tranche of auction for 20 blocks took place on November 29, 2023, with details provided in the Annexure. Furthermore, as part of its 'Science and Technology Programme,' the Ministry of Mines offers grants under S&T-PRISM for the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Start-ups and MSMEs in the Mining, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, and Recycling Sector. One of the key focus areas under S&T-PRISM is the extraction of strategic and critical minerals at the elemental level.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..