India Aims to Break Free from Critical Mineral Monopoly

Niti Aayog's Arvind Virmani urges for diversified global supply chains to counter monopolies in critical mineral markets dominated by China. India's National Critical Mineral Mission seeks to bolster domestic capabilities. Global collaboration and technological advancement are pivotal in addressing this concentrated supply challenge.

At the India Mining Summit 2025, Niti Aayog member Arvind Virmani voiced concerns over the dominance of critical mineral supply by a single nation, suggesting threats of monopolistic control necessitate a diversified supply chain.

China, the leading producer of critical minerals, recently sparked global tensions by limiting exports, accentuating the risks of country-wide monopolies. This shift underscores the need for strategic supply networks worldwide, according to Virmani.

India's National Critical Mineral Mission, launched to enhance domestic supply capabilities, aims to reduce import reliance. Virmani emphasized the global challenge of concentrated supply and the urgency of technological innovation to cultivate competition and prevent monopolistic dependencies globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)