Brics leaders call for reliable supply chains for critical minerals
BRICS leaders have emphasized the need for resilient and diversified supply chains for critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. India is actively pursuing overseas mineral assets and partnerships with nations like Argentina, Australia, and the US to secure supplies for its strategic sectors.
Why it matters
Securing critical minerals is vital for national energy security and the manufacturing of high-tech goods like EVs and semiconductors, reducing reliance on single-source suppliers.
NEW DELHI: As critical minerals emerge as a key element of the global energy transition, the issue found prominence at the Brics summit, with leaders calling for reliable, diversified and resilient supply chains for minerals needed for zero- and low-emission energy technologies and energy security.Delivering the concluding address, PM Narendra Modi warned against weaponisation of critical minerals, saying it could become an obstacle to shared progress.Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, graphite and rare earth elements are essential for manufacturing EVs, batteries, semiconductors, solar panels, wind turbines and advanced defence systems, but their supply faces a high risk of disruption.Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a global summit on Friday, coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy said India was in talks with Argentina to acquire five more blocks of lithium, while discussions were also on with Australia and Chile.
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