India's Critical Minerals Mission 2025: Vedanta's Role in Powering EVs & Renewables

India stands at a defining moment in its development journey. As the nation transitions toward clean energy, electric mobility, and digital innovation, the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, and rare earth elements is increasing exponentially. These minerals are the foundation of technologies that are reshaping the world, from electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable power systems to semiconductors and digital devices.

Currently, India imports more than 80% of its critical mineral requirements, leaving key sectors dependent on global supply chains that are often unpredictable and geopolitically sensitive. Recognising the strategic importance of securing these resources, the Government of India has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) 2025, a landmark initiative aimed at reducing import dependence, promoting domestic exploration, and developing a robust and self-sustaining critical mineral ecosystem.

While India has abundant geological potential with significant deposits of lithium, vanadium, nickel, and graphite across the Northeast, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, less than 20% of these reserves have been explored to date. The government's concerted push through the NCMM marks a turning point in harnessing this untapped potential. Of the 55 critical mineral blocks auctioned so far, 34 have been successfully allocated, and Vedanta has secured 10 of them, covering cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), vanadium, graphite, and potash. This positions Vedanta among the largest private contributors to India's mineral security and demonstrates its strategic alignment with the nation's clean energy ambitions.

Through these initiatives, Vedanta is playing a pivotal role in enabling India to meet the rising demand for minerals that power EVs, renewable power infrastructure, and advanced technologies, sourcing them domestically and strengthening the country's journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The National Critical Minerals Mission, with an outlay of ₹34,300 crore over seven years (FY 2024-25 to 2030-31), sets ambitious yet achievable goals. It aims to undertake over 1,200 domestic exploration projects, auction more than 100 critical mineral blocks, and acquire around 50 overseas mining assets to secure long-term supply. The mission also focuses on promoting recycling and circular economy practices, establishing a national stockpile of key minerals, and fostering innovation through the filing of new patents across the value chain. Together, these efforts are designed to transform India into a global hub for sustainable and secure mineral supply chains that support its clean energy transition and industrial growth.

At Vedanta, nearly 70% of revenues already come from energy transition minerals, underscoring the company's deep alignment with India's sustainability goals and the global shift toward low-carbon development. With 10 critical mineral blocks now part of its portfolio, Vedanta is uniquely positioned to help build India's mineral self-reliance while contributing to global decarbonisation efforts.

Vedanta's approach is anchored in three key priorities. First, building a resilient organisation through future-ready leadership that combines the agility of a young, entrepreneurial mindset with the expertise of a globally experienced management team. This balance allows the company to adapt swiftly to emerging opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on long-term value creation.

Second, shaping critical mineral supply chains responsibly. As critical minerals become increasingly indispensable for the energy transition, Vedanta is leading the charge in developing these resources sustainably. Through large-scale investments in exploration, beneficiation, and processing, coupled with the integration of renewable energy into operations, the company is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming a global leader in transition minerals. This growth is guided by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship through the phasing down of thermal power, adoption of circular economy practices to reduce waste, and achievement of net water-positive operations.

Third, driving smart and sustainable mining through technology and innovation. By combining human expertise with cutting-edge tools like real-time monitoring, data analytics, and automation, Vedanta is redefining how metals and minerals are explored and processed. This digital-first approach ensures safer, smarter, and more productive operations while adhering to global sustainability and governance standards.

For Vedanta, the journey toward mineral self-reliance extends beyond economic value. It is about shaping the future of Indian industry. The electric mobility revolution is a case in point. Batteries, which form the core of EVs, account for nearly 60% of global demand for lithium and cobalt . With India targeting 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, ensuring access to these raw materials will be crucial. Vedanta's investments in producing copper, cobalt, and nickel domestically will help reduce India's dependence on volatile global markets and build a resilient EV supply chain.

The company's focus, however, extends far beyond EVs. Critical minerals also power the backbone of Digital India, enabling semiconductors, 5G networks, smartphones, laptops, and data centres that are driving the country's digital transformation. Similarly, achieving India's target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 will require a steady supply of minerals such as copper for transmission grids, graphite for energy storage, and rare earths for wind turbine magnets. Vedanta's ongoing investments in these green energy minerals are helping ensure that when the world competes for critical resources, India will already have built a strong and secure foundation.

India's clean energy and EV transformation cannot advance without critical minerals, and the Critical Minerals Mission 2025 is the blueprint to make this vision a reality. Vedanta is proud to be one of the key drivers of this transformation, combining private enterprise with national vision to build a sustainable, independent, and future-ready mineral ecosystem. By 2030, as EVs dominate roads and renewables power the grid, the foundations being laid today will define India's self-reliant future. At the heart of this transformation, Vedanta's partnership with the Critical Minerals Mission will stand as a cornerstone of India's journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more secure tomorrow.