India on the verge of launching critical minerals processing scheme to boost EV battery production

India is set to introduce a comprehensive policy aimed at developing a domestic processing value chain for critical minerals, with a focus on electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal announced that the scheme is in its final stages and has identified two key minerals crucial for the EV industry, although their names remain undisclosed pending government approval.

The policy aims to reduce India’s reliance on imports, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the resilience of the EV battery ecosystem. Goyal emphasized that the initiative will help India achieve self-reliance in critical minerals, aligning with the country’s clean energy transition goals.

India plans to incentivize companies to set up lithium and nickel processing facilities, leveraging global partnerships to secure mineral supplies. The country is exploring investments in lithium projects in Brazil, Argentina, and Australia, and has already secured five lithium blocks in Argentina, with production expected to begin by 2029.