Jul 21, 2025 . Read 5 min
Vedanta - Catalysing India's Leadership in Critical Minerals
Team Vedanta
As the world pivots to cleaner technologies and energy systems, critical minerals are taking center stage in shaping global economic and strategic landscapes. Recognising this shift, Vedanta Limited is actively aligning its business to support India's growing demand for these essential resources, positioning itself at the forefront of the country's critical mineral ecosystem.
Under its transformation agenda, Vedanta 2.0, the company is reshaping 70% of its portfolio to focus on energy transition metals and clean energy. This forward-looking strategy places Vedanta in a key position to support India's goals of building a secure, self-reliant critical mineral supply chain. With over five decades of experience in manufacturing and metallurgy, Vedanta is leveraging its deep technical expertise to expand into high-potential mineral assets.
The company is actively participating in the Government of India's exploration license auctions, aiming to unlock domestic reserves of key minerals such as copper, zinc, aluminium, silver, cobalt, nickel, and ferroalloys. In recent auctions, Vedanta and its subsidiaries have acquired rights to explore and develop mineral blocks rich in copper, graphite, nickel, chromium, tungsten, vanadium, manganese, PGEs (Platinum Group Elements), cobalt, and gold. These concessions span a wide range of geographies and states across India.
Vedanta 2.0: Building the Metals of the Future
The Vedanta 2.0 strategy aims to align the company's core strengths with India's strategic needs in energy transition, advanced manufacturing, and clean technologies. Beyond traditional minerals, Vedanta is actively exploring the integration of rare earth elements, molybdenum, and cobalt into its existing value chains, creating new synergies across its businesses.
Growth is being driven not only by resource expansion but also by an emphasis on technology and innovation. The company is investing in AI (Artificial Intelligence)-driven systems to improve operational efficiencies and adopting automation for better energy management. Strategic acquisitions, process innovation, and data-led decision-making are key pillars of this next- generation growth plan.
As it scales operations, Vedanta continues to lead with a strong sustainability-first approach. With a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the company is integrating renewable energy into its operation and production processes. Its fully integrated value chain enhances reliability, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens domestic supply resilience.
Strengthening India's Mineral Security
India currently imports over 85% of its copper and 100% of its lithium, a gap that leaves the economy vulnerable in critical sectors such as electronics, EVs, and renewable energy. Vedanta's expansion into exploration, refining, and processing of strategic minerals is a crucial step toward reducing this dependency. By building domestic capabilities, the company is directly contributing to the Government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission.
A Global Perspective
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that demand for critical minerals will grow sixfold by 2040. Nations like Australia, Chile, and Brazil have already capitalized on their mineral reserves to gain strategic and economic advantage. Vedanta's long-term vision is to ensure India is not left behind. By strengthening its critical mineral infrastructure, the company is helping India compete on the global stage.
Vedanta's commitment goes beyond resource acquisition. It's about building a foundation for India's clean energy future, where access to critical minerals supports innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. With the right balance of strategy, sustainability, and execution, Vedanta is helping shape a more secure and self-reliant India.
