One of the strongest messages came from Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy. His remarks shifted attention from buildings and roads to something less visible but just as critical. Minerals. Batteries. Magnets. The quiet stuff that makes modern cities work.
Cities need minerals, not just concrete
Speaking at the conclave, Reddy drew a link between urban expansion and the supply of critical minerals. He said, “Like we have increased the green cover in the Coal sector by 74,000 hectares, similarly with the likes of Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel and other rare earth minerals is a focus area of our government.”
He pointed out that after Operation Sindoor, critical minerals are no longer just an economic issue. “This has become a geo-political issue for the world,” he said, adding that India has accepted the challenge.
According to the minister, these minerals are essential for:
- EV batteries
- Mobile phones
- Semiconductors
- Renewable energy
- Defence
- Agriculture
India’s import dependence and the ₹32,000 crore plan
Reddy did not shy away from the numbers. “We are dependent for 98% of critical minerals on imports,” he said. To reduce that gap, he said the government has launched the Critical Mineral Mission with an outlay of ₹32,000 crore.
He added, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Critical Mineral Mission action plan with 32,000 crores rupees has been founded. PSUs will go abroad and obtain critical mineral blocks just like we obtain coal blocks.”
Permanent magnets, finally made in India
Another key announcement was about permanent magnets. “Recently the mines ministry has established Permanent Magnet Manufacturing system for the first time,” Reddy said.
He explained that permanent magnets are used everywhere, “from the cellphone in your hand to agriculture.” Until now, India imported them. “For the first time NFTDC Hyderabad developed the technology and equipment to make permanent magnets,” he said, adding that production will start by August 2026.