Panel for seamless coordination among ministries

New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries to bolster the country's self-reliance in critical minerals like lithium, graphite, cobalt, and rare earth that are vital for a technology-driven future global economy.

In its report, the Committee noted that the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, with its strong emphasis on self-reliance, holds immense potential to secure a sustainable supply chain of these minerals and enhance the country's industrial competitiveness.

However, it cautioned that without effective coordination, these efforts may fall short. "The Committee...suggest that alongside the Ministry of Mines, which is leading these efforts, all ministries concerned, State governments and agencies should work in close alignment to ensure that the country remains competitive in the critical mineral sector," the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel has said in a report.

The committee recommended that the mines ministry, which is spearheading the drive, should work in close alignment with all concerned ministries, state governments, and agencies to ensure the nation remains competitive in the critical minerals sector.

The panel said that the critical minerals are important for the development and national security of the country, but their supply remains vulnerable due to factors like limited availability and concentration in specific regions.