India Expands Critical Minerals Search to Zambia, Congo and Australia

India is actively exploring opportunities for critical minerals in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Australia as part of its strategy to secure supply chains for its growing clean energy and technology sectors, according to a senior government official.

These efforts aim to reduce India's dependency on imports for key minerals essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics manufacturing, according to a Reuters report.

"We are looking at critical minerals prospects in several countries including Zambia, Congo, and Australia," said the government official, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. "Securing these resources is vital for our energy transition goals and manufacturing ambitions."

The official added that Indian mining companies are exploring both joint ventures and acquisition opportunities in these resource-rich nations, with a particular focus on copper, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements.

The initiative aligns with India's broader strategy to position itself as a manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies while reducing vulnerability to supply chain disruptions in critical mineral markets currently dominated by a few countries.

India's push comes amid growing global competition for these resources, with countries worldwide seeking to secure supplies as demand surges due to the rapid growth in electric vehicle production and renewable energy deployment.

The government has also been working on creating a comprehensive domestic framework to support exploration, mining, and processing of critical minerals within India's borders, the official noted.

Industry analysts suggest this international diversification approach could help India navigate the complex geopolitics of critical mineral supply chains, which have become increasingly important to national security and economic strategy for major economies worldwide.