India pushes to build end-to-end critical minerals ecosystem

India aims to develop a full domestic critical minerals value chain, from mining to refining, under the National Critical Mineral Mission. The government is funding R&D, a Rs 1,500-crore recycling scheme, and overseas sourcing via KABIL for minerals like lithium and nickel. Joint Secretary Kadam Sandeep Vasant shared this at the India Mines and Minerals Conclave 2026.