India Strengthens Critical Minerals Strategy through Pact with IEA

The Ministry of Mines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to boost India’s critical mineral sector. The Cabinet recently approved this collaboration, aiming to align India’s policies and investment strategies with global standards, streamlining its critical mineral infrastructure for enhanced resilience and innovation.

The partnership grants India access to reliable data, expert analysis, and policy recommendations on critical minerals, strengthening the country’s technical capabilities and institutional framework. This cooperation is vital for the sustainable development of India’s mining sector, which is increasingly critical for industries like renewable energy, electronics, and automotive manufacturing, where minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential.

The IEA, an international body within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), will facilitate knowledge exchange, providing India access to insights from member states with advanced mineral sectors. The partnership is expected to stimulate capacity building and equip Indian stakeholders with improved technologies and regulatory frameworks.

As part of the agreement, India and IEA member nations will engage in joint research, workshops, and training programs, focusing on cutting-edge extraction techniques, recycling methods, and innovation in mineral technology. These initiatives will support India’s ambition to establish a secure and sustainable supply chain for critical minerals, contributing significantly to its clean energy transition.