UPSC Notes

Critical Minerals and India's Strategic Resource Security

PYQs

10

Articles

2

Momentum

27

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is crucial for understanding India's economic sovereignty, energy security, national defence capabilities, and its ability to achieve decarbonization goals. It highlights the interplay between industrial policy, international relations, and technological self-reliance in a globally competitive environment.

Critical minerals are essential raw materials for modern technologies, including renewable energy, electronics, defence, and electric vehicles. Their limited availability, concentrated supply chains, and geopolitical significance make them crucial for a nation's economic security, technological sovereignty, and energy transition goals.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Definition

Minerals vital for economic and national security, whose supply chains are vulnerable to disruption.

Examples

Lithium, Cobalt, Graphite, Rare Earth Elements, Nickel, Vanadium.

Applications

Batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, defence systems.

India's Status

Heavily dependent on imports; expanding domestic exploration (e.g., in NE India).

Importance

Foundational to electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

Global Supply Concentration

Top three refining countries hold an average market share of 86% for key critical minerals; China dominates 19 out of 20 strategic minerals.

India's Vulnerability

Import-dependent for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and relies on China-dominated processing, creating a critical gap in midstream capacity.

Demand Projection

Cumulative demand for critical energy transition minerals could reach 169 million tonnes by 2070 under a net-zero scenario.

Reference table

Key Critical Minerals and Applications

MineralPrimary Applications
LithiumEV Batteries, Electronics
Rare Earth ElementsMagnets, Catalysts, Defence
CobaltBatteries, Superalloys

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Economy
Conceptual areaGeopolitics & International Conflicts
Conceptual areaRenewable & Clean Energy
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Law & Policy
Conceptual areaEconomic Geography
Conceptual areaInternational Relations
Conceptual areaScience & Technology

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of MinesFormulates policy, oversees exploration
Geological Survey of India (GSI)Undertakes exploration
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)Facilitates overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Critical minerals are essential for modern tech & energy transition.
  • India is import-dependent, leading to expanded domestic exploration.
  • NE India identified as a 'strategic resource frontier'.
  • Global competition for these resources drives geopolitical shifts.
  • Crucial for India's economic security and technological sovereignty.

Elimination traps

Authority vs ministryDistinguish between KABIL as a joint venture company and the Ministry of Mines which oversees critical mineral policy.

Ministry sets policy; regulator often has quasi-judicial powers.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian EconomyGeopolitics & International ConflictsRenewable & Clean EnergyEnvironmental Law & Policy

From borderland to India’s strategic resource frontier

08 Jun 2026 · Critical minerals are vital for India's strategic autonomy in technology and energy, driving domestic exploration and international resource diplomacy amidst global supply chain vulnerabilities.

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Critical minerals, the foundation of strategic power

04 Aug 2026 · Critical minerals are vital for India's future economy and security, but global supply concentration and India's processing gap pose significant challenges, necessitating a comprehensive national strategy to ensure strategic resource security.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 10 linked questions on Critical Minerals and India's Strategic Resource Security in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Critical Minerals and India's Strategic Resource Security

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