India, Australia to Enhance Cooperation in Critical Minerals and Processing

02 Jul 2024 CW Team

India and Australia are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, their processing, and battery production, according to Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. He mentioned that both countries have signed an interim free trade agreement and are negotiating to expand it into a comprehensive pact.

At a conference on the roadmap for vehicle electrification, Barthwal discussed the potential integration of the Indian and Australian economies in areas such as battery production, mineral production, mineral processing, and vehicle production. He highlighted the steps taken by the Indian government to promote domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) and to strengthen the supporting ecosystem, including the enhancement of charging infrastructure.

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, spoke at the event, emphasizing Australia's significant mineral and energy resources that can support India's "Make in India" initiative. He pointed out that Australia is a leading producer of critical minerals, including being the largest producer of lithium and the second-largest producer of cobalt globally. Green expressed Australia's desire to facilitate easier access for India to these critical minerals and other resources that can aid India's green transition. He stressed that achieving this goal would require a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are vital for the rapidly growing clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electricity networks, and electric vehicles. The demand for these minerals is increasing as the clean energy transition accelerates.

Barthwal also mentioned that India, like Australia, has signed a trade pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Norway is a key member.

Infrastructure Transport

07 Apr 2026

Large Format Store Planned At M G Road Metro Station

M G Road station in Bengaluru is set to host the city’s first large-format commercial and experience space, with planning led by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. BMRCL has invited proposals to develop and operate a central business district destination at the Purple?Pink Line interchange. The plan positions the station as a commercial hub designed to serve a broad commuter base across the city. The proposal is part of a broader effort to activate transit nodes commercially. Tender documents set a minimum monthly rental of Rs 0.944 million (mn), inclusive of GST, for the large-format..

Government Cancels Auction Of Eleven Critical Mineral Blocks

The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical and strategic mineral blocks after receiving a poor investor response and failing to attract a sufficient number of qualified bidders. The decision represents a setback to plans to ramp up domestic exploration and production of critical minerals amid global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for materials used in clean energy and advanced technologies. The mines ministry issued an annulment notice setting out the reasons for the cancellations. The annulment notice indicated that the auction process for five mineral blocks was canc..

Gujarat Pushes Biogas Growth With 193 Operational Units

Gujarat has operationalised 193 biogas plants across the state and is planning to add 60 more units as part of a broader push to scale up clean and sustainable energy solutions. The existing plants, established under various government-supported schemes, process organic waste including cattle dung and agricultural residue to produce biogas and a nutrient-rich slurry. The output is mainly used for cooking and other energy needs in rural and semi-urban communities, while also improving local waste management practices. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is leading the initiative and is..