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India's Critical Minerals Push: How New R&D Centers Will Boost Clean Energy

The government has expanded its critical minerals research network by adding two prestigious institutes. IISc Bangalore and C-MET Hyderabad will now join seven existing centers in developing advanced technologies. These hubs will work on pilot-plant level solutions for minerals needed in clean energy and defense sectors. The initiative is part of India's broader strategy to secure reliable supply chains for essential minerals.

Key Points: IISc and C-MET Named Critical Minerals Centres of Excellence

  • Two new institutes join National Critical Mineral Mission as R&D hubs
  • Focus on developing pilot-plant technologies for clean energy minerals
  • Consortium model brings together 90 industry and academic partners
  • Supports India's push for secure critical mineral supply chains
  • Recycling scheme offers up to Rs 50 crore incentives for recyclers
2 min read

Govt recognises two more CoEs to promote R&D in critical mineral value chain

Ministry of Mines recognizes IISc Bangalore and C-MET Hyderabad as Centres of Excellence to advance critical mineral R&D for clean energy and strategic sectors.

"The Centres of Excellence will conduct innovative research and development to elevate technology readiness to pilot-plant and pre-commercial demonstration levels - Ministry of Mines"

New Delhi, Oct 25

The Ministry of Mines has recognised two more institutes, namely Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) Hyderabad, as Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission, the government informed on Saturday.

“The Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will conduct innovative research and development to elevate technology readiness to pilot-plant and pre-commercial demonstration levels (TRL 7-8) for for critical minerals supporting clean energy, mobility transition, electronics, defence, and space sectors,” Ministry of Mines said.

The initiative aims to consolidate core competencies to develop technologies for secure supply chains of critical minerals.

Seven institutes were already recognised as CoEs, and the new approvals increased the total to nine CoEs, the Ministry said.

“The CoEs will undertake innovative and transformational research to strengthen and advance the nation’s science and technology capability in the area of critical minerals,” the Ministry said.

Each CoE will operate as a consortium, on a hub-and-spoke model, to leverage R&D in critical minerals and pool the core competence of each constituent under one umbrella.

They require the inclusion of at least two industry partners and two R&D or academic partners in their network.

The nine recognised CoEs have together brought in around 90 industry and academic or R&D spokes, according to the ministry.

As part of the National Critical Mineral Mission, the Centre had earlier this month opened the application window for the Rs 1,500 crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme.

The scheme aims to enhance industry capacity for recycling critical minerals from e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and other scraps, such as catalytic converters in end-of-life vehicles.

Incentives for large recyclers are set at Rs 50 crore, while small recyclers will receive up to Rs 25 crore.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative but I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic exercise. The government needs to ensure timely funding and proper implementation. We've seen many such missions fail due to red tape. Hope this one delivers real results! 🤞
R
Rohit P
The recycling scheme is particularly important. With so much e-waste generated in India, we need proper systems to extract valuable minerals. Rs 1,500 crore is substantial funding - hope it reaches the right people and creates jobs too! 💼
S
Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy sector, this is crucial for India's clean energy transition. Lithium, cobalt, rare earths - we import most of these. Developing domestic capabilities will reduce our dependence on China and other countries. Good strategic move!
V
Vikram M
90 industry and academic partners already involved shows good momentum. The hub-spoke model worked well in other sectors. Hope they focus on commercializing the research quickly. India needs to catch up in critical minerals technology. Jai Hind! 🙏
M
Michael C
While the initiative is good, I'm concerned about the timeline. These projects often take years to show results. With the rapid pace of technological change, we need faster execution. Hope they have clear milestones and accountability mechanisms.
A
Ananya R

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