Dignitaries Poses on the Summit
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; APR 30, 2024: The ‘Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ drew to a close today, capping off two days of dynamic discussions aimed at advancing India’s critical minerals agenda through strategic collaboration and policy insights. Organized jointly by the Ministry of Mines in partnership with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti), Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), the summit saw key stakeholders converge to drive progress in the nation’s mineral sector.
The summit’s final day was marked by a panel discussion focused on policy incentives and investment opportunities in India. Representatives from Invest India highlighted the country’s prospects in critical mineral processing, outlining fiscal and non-fiscal incentives available to investors. Noteworthy contributions were made by leading mining states such as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, showcasing state-level initiatives to bolster the industry and promote infrastructural development in tandem with India’s growth trajectory.
A cluster-based strategy emerged as a focal point, emphasizing coordinated efforts across mineral extraction, refining, and utilization—particularly in the context of low-carbon technologies. Panelists emphasized the importance of regulatory stability, financing frameworks, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to attract and retain investment. Agencies like Invest India and the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) were highlighted for their facilitative roles in fostering processing and beneficiation capacities within India.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, encapsulated the summit’s outcomes and outlined future trajectories. Dr. Dermal underscored the imperative of securing the critical mineral supply chain through domestic and international collaborations, enhancing skill development, and advancing critical minerals recycling efforts. Notably, she referenced India’s technological prowess in mineral processing and alluded to forthcoming amendments to offshore mining regulations.
The Summit was designed to empower government and industry stakeholders with the insights and tools required to accelerate domestic critical mineral production, aligning with India’s economic and sustainability objectives. With transformative dialogues and collaborative efforts now set in motion, the Summit paves the way for continued engagement aimed at positioning India as a global leader in the critical mineral sector.
