Fact Check: India Launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in 2025 to Develop a Framework for Rare Earth Element Self-Reliance
What We Know
The Government of India officially launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025, aiming to create a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. This initiative is particularly focused on rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for various clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles (EVs) (National Critical Mineral Mission).
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned to conduct 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31, with the goal of identifying and evaluating domestic reserves of critical minerals (National Critical Mineral Mission). A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 of them included in the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957, allowing the Central Government to auction mining leases for these minerals (National Critical Mineral Mission).
Analysis
The claim that India launched the NCMM in 2025 to develop a framework for self-reliance in rare earth elements is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The official announcement from the Government of India outlines the mission's objectives, which include enhancing domestic exploration, minimizing import dependency, and establishing a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (National Critical Mineral Mission).
The mission's focus on REEs is critical, as these minerals are vital for modern technologies and are often subject to supply chain vulnerabilities due to their concentrated geographical availability (National Critical Mineral Mission). The GSI's planned exploration projects and the government's commitment to supporting both public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private firms in acquiring overseas mineral assets further reinforce the seriousness of this initiative (National Critical Mineral Mission).
The sources used for this analysis are reliable, as they originate from official government publications and portals, which are typically subject to rigorous verification processes. The National Portal of India also corroborates the information regarding the NCMM and its objectives (National Portal of India).
Conclusion
The claim that India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in 2025 to develop a framework for rare earth element self-reliance is True. The evidence provided by government sources clearly outlines the mission's objectives, the importance of critical minerals, and the steps being taken to ensure India's self-reliance in this sector.
