Mining Waste to Mineral Wealth: India's Trillion-Dollar Opportunity in Critical Resources

A path-breaking FICCI-Deloitte report reveals India's capability to mine billions of value lying hidden in mining waste as critical minerals. The ₹34,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission of the government plans to extract critical materials required for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing from mines such as tailings and red mud. As mineral sources in the world are dwindling, India's gigantic fly ash and overburden reserves offer a rare chance. The report asks that Critical Mineral Recovery Zones be created and the mining policy be overhauled to encourage private sector participation. This plan would make India a world leader in eco-friendly mineral extraction and reinforce local supply chains.

 

Source: Business World, February 26, 2025