New Delhi, 3 July (IANS). Industry on Thursday appreciated the government and the Ministry of Mines on the formal launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), saying that this historic initiative is a strategic turn towards safe, sustainable and competitive access to important minerals of India.
NCMM has been started by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement to set up a mission focused on important minerals in the Union Budget 2024-25.
The formal notification indicates the onset of mission-mode approach for an industrial policy focused on advanced and strategic technology.
‘Important minerals’ are essential for semiconductor, smartphone, server, presiding tools, telecom equipment, medical electronics, batteries and clean energy etc.
These inputs outline industrial strength and national strength. Global supply chains remain weak due to geopolitical and strategic trade control.
Pankaj Mohindru, president of the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), said, “NCMM is a basic step. Electronics and semiconductor are mineral-intensive areas. This mission brings foresight, purpose and composition for our preparation for the future.”
India is entering a new phase of technological development. Electronics production reached $ 138 billion in 2024-25, with mobile phones contributing $ 64 billion.
New areas such as semiconductor, advanced packaging, EV, digital infrastructure and defense electronics are ready to develop extensively. These areas require reliable supply of rare earth, lithium, cobalt, nickel, tungsten, tantalum and gallium. Any delay or disruption can derail national objectives.
This mission is important as India has targeted $ 500 billion in FY 2031 and then electronics production. The construction of a safe and competitive important mineral ecosystem is a long -term strategic requirement.
Mohindru said, “We should move forward with speed and clarity. India has no option but to increase strength. Global examples show the results of the response.
-IANS
SKT/
