The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is ramping up its exploration activities for critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are crucial for the development of clean energy technologies. According to Asit Saha, GSI Deputy Director General (Policy Support System – Planning and Monitoring), one-third of the survey organization’s projects are now dedicated to finding these resources.
As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies grows, the need for critical minerals is expected to surge. These minerals are essential components in the production of batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels. However, they are typically found in low concentrations and are challenging to extract, making their exploration and development a complex task.
To accelerate its efforts, GSI has established a collaboration with Geoscience Australia for mineral exploration and is also in discussions with authorities in Russia and Brazil for potential tie-ups.
The exploration activities are part of India’s broader efforts to shift towards a greener economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. In March, India announced plans to build the world’s largest renewable energy park, which will have a capacity of 30 gigawatts (GW) and be spread across 72,600 acres in the Kutch region of Gujarat.
The development of clean energy technologies and the shift towards a low-carbon economy is a global trend, with many countries and companies investing heavily in renewable energy and electric vehicles. However, the reliance on critical minerals also presents a significant challenge, as their supply chains are often concentrated in a few countries, raising concerns about supply security and geopolitical risks.
As the demand for critical minerals continues to grow, exploration activities like those being undertaken by GSI will be critical to securing a sustainable supply of these resources. By intensifying its efforts, GSI is taking an important step towards India’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
