Published: 16 January 2026Economy
India Allocates ₹34,300 Crore for National Critical Mineral Mission Through 2031
India announced its strategic critical minerals diplomacy initiative on January 17, 2026, with ₹34,300 crore allocated through 2031 under the National Critical Mineral Mission. India is 100% import-dependent for 10 critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, niobium, germanium, rhenium, beryllium, tantalum and strontium. It is the 2nd largest aluminium producer and 4th largest iron ore producer globally.
The Geological Survey of India has undertaken 368 critical mineral exploration projects in the past three years. India has signed partnerships with Argentina, Australia and Chile through KABIL-related initiatives (Khanij Bidesh India Limited). Rajasthan holds significant reserves of fluorite, wollastonite, and lead-zinc, with Hindustan Zinc in Rajsamand being a major producer of zinc, lead, and silver — minerals critical for the clean energy transition.
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For how many critical minerals is India 100% import-dependent?
Explanation · Correct answer DIndia is 100% import-dependent for 10 critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.
Frequently asked questions
How much has India allocated for the National Critical Mineral Mission and through what year?
India allocated **₹34,300 crore** for the **National Critical Mineral Mission through 2031**, announced on **January 17, 2026**. India is **100% import-dependent** for **10 critical minerals** including **lithium, cobalt, and rare earths**. India is the **2nd largest aluminium producer** and **3rd largest iron ore producer** globally.
What is KABIL and which countries has India partnered with for critical minerals under the National Critical Mineral Mission?
**KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited)** is India's agency for securing critical minerals abroad. India has signed partnerships with **Australia, Japan, and Argentina** through KABIL. The **Geological Survey of India** has undertaken **368 critical mineral exploration projects** in the past three years under the **National Critical Mineral Mission (₹34,300 crore through 2031)**.
Which critical minerals is India 100% import-dependent on and what global rankings does India hold in mineral production?
India is **100% import-dependent** for **10 critical minerals** including **lithium, cobalt, and rare earths**. India is the **2nd largest aluminium producer** and **3rd largest iron ore producer** globally. The National Critical Mineral Mission with **₹34,300 crore** through 2031 aims to reduce this dependence through domestic exploration (368 GSI projects) and international partnerships via **KABIL**.
How many critical mineral exploration projects has the Geological Survey of India undertaken under the National Critical Mineral Mission?
The **Geological Survey of India (GSI)** has undertaken **368 critical mineral exploration projects** in the past three years under the **National Critical Mineral Mission**. India announced **₹34,300 crore** for this mission through **2031** and has signed partnerships with **Australia, Japan, and Argentina** through **KABIL** to secure critical minerals including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.
What critical minerals does Rajasthan hold reserves of and what is the significance of Hindustan Zinc in Rajsamand?
**Rajasthan holds significant reserves of fluorite, wollastonite, and lead-zinc**. **Hindustan Zinc** in **Rajsamand** is a major producer of **zinc, lead, and silver** — minerals critical for the clean energy transition. Rajasthan's mineral wealth is relevant to India's **National Critical Mineral Mission** (₹34,300 crore through 2031), as India seeks to reduce 100% import dependence on 10 critical minerals.
