The National Critical and Strategic Minerals Committee, constituted by NITI Aayog, convened its second meeting at Singareni Bhavan on February 26, 2026. The panel highlighted the need for collaborative action, policy support, and accelerated exploration to transform India into a self-reliant nation in the critical minerals sector.
Dr. D.K. Singh, former scientist of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, chaired the meeting, which included key figures such as Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited. Dr. Jyoti emphasized the committee’s role in identifying and developing critical mineral resources within the country to strengthen India’s resource security.
The committee discussed the potential for extracting rare earth elements from coal seams and recovering valuable minerals from fly ash and bottom ash at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant. Members noted that minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel are crucial for sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, electronics, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
Despite India’s notable reserves of certain critical minerals, limited exploration and mining activities have led to continued reliance on imports. With demand expected to rise, the committee called for a coordinated national effort involving both public and private sector mining companies.
Deputy Advisor (Minerals) of NITI Aayog, R. Saravanabhavan, announced that a time-bound action plan would be initiated to finalize and submit the committee’s report. The meeting also featured virtual participation from M. Prasanna Kumar, CMD of NLC India Ltd.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 27th, 2026
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