During the 4th Tranche of Auction of Critical Minerals, Union Mine Ministry awarded India’s first Lithium block, Katghora, and Rare Earth Element (REE) Block of Chhattisgarh to Maiki South Mining Private Limited.
- India relies heavily on imports to meet its requirement for critical minerals like Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE).
- These minerals find application in new-age technologies like electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and defence manufacturing.
- In February 2023, India found its first lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir with estimated reserves of 5.9 million tonnes.
- In July, 2023 India amended its mining rules by allowing the entry of private miners to search for the critical materials.
