Importance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals play a vital role in national security, defence capability development, and technological sovereignty as articulated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Role in Modern Defence Systems
- Essential for various defence systems such as:
- Jet engines
- Missiles
- Precision munitions
- Radars
- Satellites
- Batteries
- Semiconductors
Geopolitical Dimensions
- Global supply of critical minerals is highly concentrated and subject to export controls and geopolitical pressures.
- Excessive import dependence poses a strategic vulnerability.
Strategic Initiatives
- Emphasis on self-reliant defence manufacturing and sustained operational readiness.
- Recent initiatives include:
- Identification of critical minerals
- Launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission
- Efforts to strengthen the value chain from extraction to recycling
