A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Mines and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation. 

This MoU initiates a partnership between Ministry of Mines, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and TERI. 

This partnership will focus on providing knowledge support in the field of Critical Minerals which are crucial for India’s economic development, national security, and low-carbon energy transition.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the two-day Critical Minerals Summit: Enhancing Beneficiation and Processing Capabilities’ that was held in New Delhi recently.

The summit featured exhibition pavilions showcasing a diverse array of minerals sourced from both terrestrial and marine environments.

Mr.V L Kantha Rao, in his keynote address, underscored India’s urgent need for robust exploration and utilization of critical minerals to support the nation’s rapid economic growth and clean energy aspirations. 

He highlighted recent government initiatives, including mineral block auctions, aimed at accelerating domestic mineral exploration and production. 

The summit also hosted panel discussions on crucial topics such as building India’s processing and benefi- ciation capabilities and scaling strategies for domestic and global markets. 

Notable discussions revolved around the Ministry’s commitment to infrastructure development for R & D in mineral processing, with initiatives like the Indo-Australian Critical Minerals Research Hub at IIT Hyderabad.

Dr. Veena Kumari D., Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, concluded the day by emphasizing the need for efficient processing technologies amidst global policy uncertainties.