The Government of India has announced plans to establish four critical mineral value processing plants in Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana, and Maharashtra as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic mineral security and reduce dependence on imports. The initiative comes under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which aims to build a robust supply chain for minerals considered essential for emerging technologies and industrial growth.

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the Centre has identified separate mining blocks for critical minerals and carried out large-scale auctions for the first time since independence. According to the minister, several critical mineral blocks have already been successfully auctioned, marking a significant development in India's efforts to secure resources needed for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defense manufacturing, and advanced electronics.

The proposed processing facilities are expected to improve India’s refining and value-addition capabilities in strategic minerals, an area where the country has historically relied heavily on overseas processing ecosystems. Officials believe the new plants will help create a stronger domestic framework for processing minerals before they are used in manufacturing industries, thereby reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and boosting industrial self-reliance.

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Reddy also stated that the Indian government has entered into multiple memorandums of understanding with various countries to strengthen international cooperation in the critical minerals sector. These agreements are intended to secure long-term access to essential mineral resources and establish reliable supply chains amid rising global competition for strategic raw materials. The minister noted that global demand for such minerals has increased sharply due to the transition toward clean energy and advanced technologies.

According to the government, state administrations in Odisha, Gujarat, Telangana, and Maharashtra have already allotted land for the proposed processing facilities. Authorities in these states are also preparing dedicated action plans to support the projects and facilitate infrastructure development. The center expects the coordinated effort between the union and state governments to accelerate the establishment of the plants and support future investments in the sector.

The National Critical Mineral Mission is being viewed as a key part of India’s long-term industrial and energy security strategy. Officials expect visible progress in the sector over the next year as mining auctions, processing infrastructure, and international partnerships begin translating into operational capacity. The government believes the initiative will help India strengthen its position in the global critical minerals market while supporting domestic manufacturing and clean energy ambitions.

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